Case Hinesley pocketed a $20,000 scholarship at the seventh annual Bob Toski Junior Golf Tournament at Boca Grove Golf and Tennis Club in Boca Raton recently.
Hinesley, 18, of Weston, walked away with the largest scholarship ever awarded at the event based on his academic and athletic abilities. The 2019 Archbishop McCarthy graduate is headed to Santa Fe College in Gainesville where he will pursue a degree in engineering.
“This is crazy,” Hinesley said. “I can’t even put it into words. I was extremely nervous going up there (to receive the scholarship). I am happy to see what Bob (Toski) is doing for everyone.”
A total of 62 golfers played in the event, which took place at Boca Grove for the first time.
Toski, 92, a golfing legend and Boca Raton resident, always wanted to do a junior golf tournament and in 2013 that became a reality. The next year, the scholarship program was set up with $1,500 awarded to both a boy and a girl. That monetary total has continued to grow and to date $77,000 in scholarships have been presented to high school senior golfers.
Toski, who was the leading money-winner on the PGA Tour in 1954 and is a Hall of Fame golf instructor, said he takes great pride in giving back to the game. Toski said his ultimate goal is to raise $80,000 for two full $40,000 scholarships for one year for each golfer.
“I think I had a pretty good shot because of my academic history,” Hinesley said. “I didn’t expect to win it, but I knew I had a decent shot. I have known Bob for a while, so I don’t think I would have been the last person on the list.
“I definitely feel lucky, but I am just grateful that I am able to play this tournament,” Hinesley said. “A lot of people wish they could have this opportunity or going to the Masters or just get money for getting good grades in school or just playing good golf.”
Hinesley said he’s built some fond memories in the tournament.
“I think just having fun and seeing everyone around here,” he said. “Seeing Bob and Donna (Serino, the tournament director)…Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they win prizes. We get to play nice courses, too.”
“Most of us have been playing together for years,” he said. “Once they said the school scores, I knew it was me and I was definitely in shock. There was nervous smiling. I was just trying to get my smile straight. I was very nervous but extremely grateful.”
Fort Lauderdale’s Allison Dusek, 18, a 2019 graduate of Westminster Academy, took home a $1,000 scholarship. She could have received more, but she had received a full ride to Samford University and she let tournament officials know.
“Winning this is great,” said Dusek, who has only played competitive golf for the past four years. One of the first tournaments she played in was the Toski four years ago. “It is big. I love this organization so much. It is really nice that they gave me a scholarship. Bob Toski does so much for the game. He really supports the juniors.”
Shawn Costello, golf professional and PGA director of golf at Boca Grove, said he was pleased with the event.
“I have known Mr. Toski for nearly 30 years and having spent so much time with him and around the great game of golf during my childhood and upbringing that it was so nice to be able to give back to him today and allow this wonderful event to be held at Boca Grove,” Costello said.
“We have received such tremendous feedback from the players and parents,” he said. “When you have an event that gives out one of the largest scholarships to junior golf in the country, it’s great to be a part of and help make it happen.”
Toski choked back tears as he addressed the group at the awards ceremony.
“This is the greatest day of my life,” he said. “Youth must be served.”
Gary Curreri is a South Florida Community News correspondent.
