Any golfer would be able to tell you when and where the player's first tournament win took place.

Marissa DeCola won't forget her initial victory anytime soon.

The Butler resident and sixth grader at Center Township Elementary took first place in the Southwest Pennsylvania Junior Golf Tour's event at Ponderosa Golf Course in Beaver County last week.

She shot a 59 in nine holes and received a ribbon for her first-place effort.

"At first I was really scared because the other golfers looked really good," said the 11-year old. "But when I won, I was really excited because it was my first win."

Marissa's father, Dennis, introduced his daughter to the links six years ago.

"He bought her a set of clubs for her birthday when she was five," said Marissa's mother, Joanne.

"It's a good sport to teach kids," Mr. DeCola said. "They can enjoy it their whole lives."

Marissa has won the last two competitions at Perfect Swing driving range.

She also takes lessons at Robert Morris University's Island Sports Complex and plays in a Junior League at Aubrey's Dubbs Dred Golf Course.

"My favorite part is chipping and putting," said Marissa. "That's the best part of my game."

The SWPA Junior Golf Tour consists of 12 events.

Marissa plans to golf in a total of six of the competitions, the next one being Tuesday at Chippewa Golf Course in Washington County.

On top of that, she is also in her second year of playing softball.

"We keep 'em busy around here," her mother said.

Marissa has an 8-year old brother, Mark, who also loves to golf. He finished in second place in his age group at Ponderosa G.C.

Dennis DeCola and his children frequently golf at Oakview Golf Club in Slippery Rock, where they are members.

"It varies from week to week, but I'd say we get out about three or four times every week," said Dennis.

"I'm the only one of the family who doesn't actually golf," said Mrs. DeCola, laughing. "They keep trying to get me to try it, but I just drive the cart."