By Michael YEGHIAYAN

A number of top amateur golfers participated in the Glendale City Golf Championship, a two-day charity tournament that raised money for the Glendale Parks and Open Spaces Foundation.

The second annual tournament began with a qualifier round at Scholl Canyon Golf Course on Thursday before concluding with the championship round at Oakmont Country Club on Monday.

Rick Dinger, a board member of Glendale Parks and Open Space, served as the tournament’s director.

“The parks’ funding has been slashed so we are helping as needed. Everyone benefits from the program, said Dinger. “We kept the price low so that more people would be able to participate. It promotes golf, it promotes Glendale and it benefits a great cause.”

“We have some of the best amateur golfers in Southern California at this tournament. Players from all over get to see Glendale,” added Dinger.

The winner of the championship flight was ASU student Chris Russo, who overcame a double bogey on the 15thhole and finished the second day one stroke over par.

“The biggest thing was not getting into trouble, keeping away from problems on any one hole, and making some putts,” said Russo, who avoided a playoff on the 18th hole by making his putt for par. “This is a really nice country club, and the course was in really good condition. I am glad I had a chance to play here.”

The 22-year-old transfer student from CSU Northridge edged out the reigning Oakmont Club champion Keith Kinsel by a single stroke.

Kinsel, a graduate of Crescenta Valley High, finished with the championship flight’s best score on the second day with a 1-under 70.

Winners of the other flights included Malik Basurto, who finished the tournament with a combined 137 to capture the Brand flight. Bill Ree recovered from a six-stroke deficit to win the Verdugo flight with a 3-over 74 on the second day. Jerry Butt won the Deukmejian flight, finishing with a 2-under 68. Brittany Branker won the women’s division at Scholl Canyon on Thursday with a 12-over 72.

The tournament, which was sponsored by Trusted Choice, has grown from 80 players in 2012 to 106 participants in this year’s event.

The Glendale Parks and Open Spaces Foundation is responsible for a number of fundraising events in addition to the Glendale Golf Championship, including Glendale Dodger Night and the Verdugo Mountains 10K Trail Run and Hike.

  MICHAEL YEGHIAYAN