Scholarships highlight Toski golf tournament
Bob Toski started playing golf 85 years ago, so it’s pretty hard to catch the formerPGATour leadingmoney-winner andHall of Fame teacher by surprise.
But that’s what happened Friday at the fifth annual Toski Junior Golf Tournament at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton when the 90-year-old Toski was able to give out a total of $18,000 in scholarships for college-bound golfers.
Jacqueline Fenton, 18, of Boca Raton, who is headed to Notre Dame, received a check for $12,000. Tyler Pham,17, ofPembroke Pines, who is going into his senior year at The Sagemont School in Weston, was supposed to receive a $3,000 scholarship.
Ron Gallitin surprised Toski, and Pham, by doubling the amount with a $3,000 donation at the tournament.
“I was there, so I was the one who added to the scholarship, but there are 100 other members of St. Andrews who would have done the same thing if they were there,” Gallitin said.
The executive vice president and golf chair at St. Andrews, Gallatin was impressed by Pham’s 4.19 GPA and more than 300 hours of community service.
“What he did was work hundreds of hours helping others,” Gallitin said. “That’s a man with a heart. For someone like that not to get the opportunity to be in college, that is just not acceptable.”
Fenton, who played four years of varsity golf for American Heritage Delray, had a 5.0GPAand1,119 hours of community service, which included volunteering at an art camp and donating the money she earned tutoring.
She does not have a golf scholarshipandsaidshewill try to walk on the Notre Dame golf team or play club golf, so the $12,000 will help “a lot.”
“I did not think itwas going to be this much,” said Fenton, noting that last year’s lone scholarship was $8,000. “I was so shocked. My parents are so excited.”
Toski, whohopesto eventually award two $40,000 scholarships, is the pro emeritus at St. Andrews, whichwaived the cost of the greens feesandlunch for the kids and their parents.
“As long as we can keep the tournament going,” said St. Andrews president Steve Irwin, “it has a home here forever.”
The tournament was shortened by a violent thunderstorm. Jillian Bourdagewas the girls’ 16-18 and overall champion with a score of 25 for seven holes. Sabrina Fonda was second in the 16-18 division with a 26.
Grant Horvat shot a 34 for nine holes to win the boys’ 16-18 division. Alex Quiroga was second with a 35. Horvat alsowonthe closest-to-the-pin competition and two tickets to next year’sMastersPar 3Contest.
Tyler Stachkunas shot a 42 for 11 holes to win the boys’ 13-15 and overall titles. Justin Lilly was second in the 13-15 division with a 45. Makenna Rodriguez shot 27 for seven holes to win the girls’ 13-15. Caroline Pattersonwas second at 29.
Christina Marcellus shot 36 for nine holes to win the girls’ 10-12 title. Morgan Rodriguez was second at 41. Jay Brooks shot 34 to win the boys’ 10-12 division. Shawn Coultoff was second at 35.
Kayla Bryant won the girls’ 7-9 division with a 12. Jesera Mendez was second at 19. Tristan Wieland won the boy’s 7-9 title with a 10. Ryan Nana Tanke was second at 14.