CASPER - Karsten Simmons finished first in the 10-12 age group at the Casper Country Club Monday afternoon as part of the Wyoming Junior Golf Tour.

The tournament was planned for a full 18 holes but due to a scheduling mix-up the golfers played nine holes instead.

Along with the shortened tournament, the Casper wind was the bigger obstacle for Simmons to conquer. As Randy Simmons, Karsten's father, stated, "I played a practice round with Karsten on Sunday and by the end of the round we were both glad the punishment was over."

Going against 10 other golfers and 30-40 mph winds, Karsten Simmons shot a 40 on the day, which was four strokes better than the next golfer, earning him first place.

"My wife (Melissa) and I were worried his mental part of the game was not there in these tough conditions," said Randy Simmons, "He played smart and seemed to have adjusted his mental portion of the game to positive thoughts and a great attitude ... We are proud of him for toughing it out through these conditions and playing so well."

Randy Simmons also spoke about a difficult shot Karsten was able to execute. "He teed off on the fourth hole, a par 3, and the wind took his ball nearly out of bounds. He was still in, but had to take an unplayable lie. Being 50 yards out, he hit the shot over the top of a building and landed the ball right by the hole."

Karsten Simmons' next tournament is the Rocky Mountain PGA Chapter Championship in Powell. The two-day tournament started Wednesday and ends today.