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Ion, Mathews and Willams
Local junior golf stars Chase Ion of Hardin-Jefferson, Julian Mathews of Monsignor Kelly Catholic, and Reece Williams of Monsignor Kelly Catholic, are set to compete in the historic 75th Annual Press Thornton Future Masters Golf Invitational at Dothan Country Club. These talented local golfers will join a distinguished field that includes the sons of PGA Tour players, showcasing their skills over three days in the 15-18 age division.
Ion and Williams will be competing for the third time in this historic event, while Mathews enters his second. Notably the trio of Southeast Texas junior golf stars - Ion, Mathews, and Williams - were all finalists for the prestigious Babe Zaharias High School Awards, which honor both character and leadership and player of the year. Mathews was a finalist for player of the year, Ion was co-player of the year, and Williams received the leadership award earlier this month in May.
Among the talent scheduled to compete are Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods, as well as Liam Curtis (son of Ben Curtis), Henry Kuehne (son of Hank Kuehne), and Jacob Immelman (son of Trevor Immelman). The anticipation for this event is higher than ever, largely due to the participation of Woods.
This year’s tournament will bring together more than 200 of the best junior golfers in the world, making it a truly elite competition. For the first time in its 75-year history, the Press Thornton Future Masters will be promoted nationally. This milestone event will be televised regionally and nationally, offering exclusive leader WTVY News 4 and The Peachtree Sports Network.
The Dothan Country Club course, recently revamped in a 13-month project, is expected to present a challenging and pristine setting for the 468 players representing 33 states and seven countries.
Tournament director Kevin Klein expressed excitement about the course's performance during a press conference, highlighting its readiness to host top junior players from around the world.
"We are hosting one of the best junior golf tournaments in the entire country," Klein said. "Shortly after the Dothan Country Club celebrated 100 years, the Press Thornton Future Masters is celebrating 75! This year holds many special moments, including the return to the Dothan Country Club after renovations placed the Future Masters at the Highland Oaks Golf Course. Plus, the sons of four PGA tour players are expected to compete, including Charlie Woods, son of Tiger."
Tournament coordinator Angelia Wade Turner has been busy with tedious preparation for this year’s big event. “We are thrilled to have some exciting names and just a new course for the kids to play. It’s going to be anxious to see how they handle the new course and see what the scores are going to be for that,” said Wade Turner. A record 900 applicants were submitted, leaving 300 on the waiting list.
The competition will begin with the 11-12 and 13-14 age divisions June 23, followed by the 10-under players June 24.
The trio from the golden triangle will compete in the 15-18 age division. Players will have a practice round June 26, with the tournament first round beginning June 27.
Trevor Immelman, a former Future Masters participant and Masters champion, shared his excitement for the event through a video message, emphasizing the tournament's role in shaping future golf stars.
The Future Masters has a rich history of producing PGA Tour talent. Former winners include notable PGA Tour players Andy Bean, Mark Brooks, Hudson Swafford, Bubba Dickerson, Robert Floyd, Stewart Cink, Sean McKeel, and Byrd. These past champions highlight the tournament's significance in the golfing world and its role as a stepping stone for future stars.
The very first Future Masters was held in 1950 with Don Kennington taking home the first trophy. As the tournament returns to its historic home, King Thornton, the general chairman, acknowledged the legacy and vision of his grandfather, Press Thornton, who founded the tournament. The 75th Annual Press Thornton Future Masters promises to be an exceptional event, celebrating the past and future of junior golf.