1956

After Thompson was eliminated, the attention shifted to 16-year-old Jerry Holmes, another fine city player who qualified for the final foursome. Kizziar, Holmes, Amarillo’s Robert Tennant and Houston’s Bryant ?Babe? Hiskey were the four finalist who teed it up Thursday to decide who would claim the first T-O Junior Title.

Tennant took the lead at the end of the first 18 holes with an even-par 71. Holmes, with a huge gallery cheering him on, stayed in the hunt just three shots back. Hiskey carded a 75.

But on the final 18 Hiskey showed some of the talent that would enable him to become a fine tour professional in the years to come. With a hot putter and some pinpoint shotmaking, Hiskey fired a four-under-par 67 on the final 18 to turn a close tournament into a runaway.

Holmes, who would gain a reputation as the perennial bridesmaid in this tournament, finished second five shots back. Tennant, tiring in the hot Texas afternoon, faded to a 78 in the final round to finish third.

The first T-O Junior was history, but it was only the beginning of a golf tournament, which would grow into one of the most important events in the Southwest.