By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

Patrick Martin’s getting to be old hat at winning golf tournaments.

The Spain Park rising senior took home the American Junior Golfer Association Huntsville Junior Boys Division on July 17, taking a 7-stroke win over Jaguar alum Vasili Kartos at The Ledges Golf Course in Huntsville, Ala.

The win marked the second AJGA win of Martin’s career, as he captured the Natural Resource Partners Bluegrass Junior in June of 2013. Martin said that with one win under his belt, he felt less pressure to maintain the lead the second time around.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “It was my second win, so it was a little easier to handle.”

The Vanderbilt verbal commit shot two under on the first nine holes of the last round to open up a gap of nine strokes, before shooting three under on the back nine to seal the win.

Martin said he felt his drive out of the tee box helped him conquer the difficult Ledges course, which is located at the highest point in Huntsville.

“It was tough this week,” he said. “I’ve always been able to hit straight. I hit the tee ball really well, (and) hit the fairway and green really well. It was special.”

Kartos shot 2-over to take second place over Peyton Wilhoit of Searcy, Ark.

Martin said he and Kartos shared more in common than just attending the same high school.

“I met him in middle school,” Martin said. “We actually wore the exact same clothes (Spain Park golfing attire) the last day.”

While the AHSAA golf season is a long way off, Martin was quick to point out that the win helps his game in getting ready for his senior season.

Martin also said that he felt the win at the Huntsville Junior helped build off the momentum established by the Harford win.

“The first go round, it opened more doors,” he said. “This one puts (me) a step further. The first started it forward. It does a lot. (I’ve) got a lot of tournaments left, hopefully (this will) keep the momentum going.”