The Mississippi Junior Amateur Championship golf tournament teed off Tuesday morning and three local students are looking to play big.

Karley Whittington, on her way to building a successful golf career, continued to shine after the first day of the tournament.

“I’m feeling really good, shot a 72 and I’m in the lead by 3,” Whittington said.

Whittington said there are a lot of good girls competing with her. She knew some of them could have done better, while acknowledging others performed to the best of their ability.

The decorated golfer has competed in previous state championships, had an undefeated high school season and is currently defending her junior amateur title at the Annadale Golf Club in Madison.

Despite her accomplishments on the green, Whittington doesn’t get comfortable before teeing off.

“I was a little nervous at the first tee and after that I was OK,” Whittington said.

Whittington said she had to get her head on right and focus so she can play her best golf. She shot three birdies and bogeys and was on par for the other 12 holes.

Competition for Whittington will be about the same heading into the second day and said she hopes she can play to the best of her ability or even better.

Joining Whittington in Madison are Gabriel Riveros and Channing Curtis, teammates at St. Aloysius.

Riveros finished the day shooting an 82, with two birdies, seven pars and bogeys and one double bogey. He tied for fifth place at last year’s junior amateur championship.

Curtis currently is tied for sixth and shot a 72 on his first day.

“I’m feeling pretty good and confident,” Curtis said.

Curtis was forced to take a break from golf after suffering a concussion playing soccer. He thinks the weeklong break has helped him.

“I was playing a lot of golf and was becoming tired,” Curtis said.

Curtis prepared for the tournament by just playing the game and getting back into the motions after dealing with his concussion.

All the tournaments Curtis has played in recently have not been up to his standard level of play, which is shooting in the mid 70s. He said he’s played decent golf and has been to the state games and the playoffs.

Curtis shot in the upper 70s in those tournaments, but hasn’t finished high in the standings. Recently, he tied for 20th in Greenville, seventh in Greenwood and finished second at the state games.

A win out of the high school season would make Curtis feel good. This is the biggest tournament he’s played in all year and wants to win.

“I just want to play solid, no matter what, and hopefully be happy with the way I play,” Curtis said.