Toski has new book out, prepares for junior tourney

There is no slowing down Bob Toski. Since turning 90 last September, the legendary Boca Raton instructor published a book about his inspiring life, still plays and teaches golf, and regularly sings at Arturo’s Ristorante.

The PGA Tour’s leading money-winner in 1954 is also getting ready to host the fifth annual Toski Junior Golf Tournament.

“How do you stay young?” Toski said. “You stay around young people.”

Most of the golfers ages 7-18 who play in his tournament, which is July 21 at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton, appreciate Toski taking such an active role in the event and making it one of the most enjoyable junior tournaments in South Florida.

After play concludes, there is an awards luncheon in the clubhouse with one-of-akind trophies for the age division winners that feature a photo of Toski with players such as Ben Hogan and Sam Snead. The overall boy and girl winners receive a crystal replica of the silver trophy that Toski got for winning the 1954 World Championship of Golf.

Other prizes include two tickets to the Masters Par-3 Contest for the winner of the closest-to-the-pin contest and copies of his book, “The Elegant Mouse,” which came out in January.

The 76-page hardcover book, which was written by former Palm Beach Post and Sun Sentinel sports reporter Brian Biggane, is filled with photos and stories of Toski’s early life, his success on the PGA Tour despite weighing only 118 pounds and how he started the internationally acclaimed Golf Digest teaching schools. It’s available for $19.95 at bobtoskibooks.com and other online sites.

This year, Toski will also award two tickets for one day at the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in New York given to him by USGA Executive Director Mike Davis.

For Toski, the biggest prize is the scholarship he awards to a college-bound golfer that gives more weight to high grades and community service than to low golf scores.

Last year, the tournament’s Toski Junior Golf Foundation gave an $8,000 check to Jaci Cruz of Boca Raton to attend Nova Southeastern University.

Toski said this year’s check will be bigger, but not as big as the one he’d like to eventually award.

“My goal is to give a check for $40,000,” Toski said. “That’s what I’m hoping for. I’m hoping we’ll find a sponsor for this.”

Register online at toskijuniorgolf.com or call tournament director Donna Serino at 561-245-0523.

Meghan Stasi Kevin Hammer

STEVE WATERS/STAFF PHOTO Since turning 90 last September, Bob Toski of Boca Raton, a member of the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame, published a book about his life called “The Elegant Mouse.”