The local qualifier for the 42nd Trusted Choice Big “I” National Championship was held at the Oakmont Country Club on June 1. The event was hosted by the Insurance Agents and Brokers of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena. It is an open event for golfers who will not reach the age of 19 by July 30.
Tying for low medalist in the boy’s division were Chris Ramirez from Northridge and Michael Timpson from Montrose, both shooting four over par for a score of 76. Though Ramirez won the overall title in a playoff, both Ramirez and Timpson received invitations to the state qualifier and both will be playing on the Glendale College golf team next year. Also advancing to the next stage, shooting a 79, is Drake Muir from Pasadena. Muir is a recent graduate of St. Francis High School.
The girl’s division low score was shot by Jennifer Johnson from Los Angeles. She is an eighth grade student at the Westchester Lutheran School.
Rick Dinger was the local tournament chairman. “This will be one of the strongest groups that we have seen advance to the state qualifier,” Dinger said. “It would be exciting to have a player from our region advance to the national championship.”
The state qualifier will be held on July 12-13 in Santa Cruz. The five low boys and two low girls will be invited to compete July 27-30 in Chesterfield, NJ for the national championship.
The Big “I” Junior Classic has seen many PGA and LPGA golf pros come up through the ranks, but none so popular as the famed Tiger Woods who won the Big “I” Classic National title twice (1990 and 1992).

  Crescenta, Dinger