Spirit of America: 52-year-old Jimmy Reist tied for lead

DECATUR, Alabama (July 4, 2015) -- In a tournament field filled mostly with college players, Jimmy Reist is proving that age is just a number. After two rounds of the rain-shortened Spirit of America Classic, Reist, 52, is tied for the lead with Delta State golfer Reid Lindsey (from Ripley, Mississippi) at 3-under 139. As a member of Burningtree, Reist is trying to become the first Morgan County resident to win the Spirit. “Just coming out here and being in the hunt is a lot of fun,” he told the Decatur Daily. “Winning this thing would mean a lot.” Reist, who started on the back nine, played in a steady rain for his first seven holes, and could have been lower had it not been for a double-bogey on the 1st hole (his 10th). Things are going pretty well for another member of the Reist family -- Jimmy’s son Garrett has a four-shot lead in the junior division going into the final round. PREVIOUSLY POSTED DECATUR, Alabama (July 3, 2015) -- Heavy rain and lightening in Northern Alabama caused Friday's play to be cancelled at the Spirit of America Classic. The tournament is being conducted at Burningtree Country Club. Defending champion John-Michael O'Toole posted a first round 69 on Thursday and looks to be in good shape to contend for the title again this year. A recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati, O'Toole is playing as an individual this year. He's joined by 7 other players that posted par or better. Tied with O'Toole at 69 are Bryce Howard (representing Henderson State), Taylor Eyster, and Jimmy Reist.