MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Maybe there’s something good about playing video games.

Ironton golfer Nathan Kerns has played the Southwind Golf Course on a video game. But after qualifying for the Stanford Financial Junior Championship on Sunday, Kerns will get to play the course for real.

Kerns finished second at the Stanford Financial Junior Championship qualifier on Sunday to earn a spot in the 78-player field of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) event to be held from Tuesday through Thursday at the site of the PGA tour event St. Jude Golf Classic.

“I know the course from my video game, but I’m sure it’ll be a little different in person. I’ll look at the course, take some notes and get used to it,” said Kerns.

“I’m just excited to be here and to have a chance to play it. But once I get started, it’s just another tournament.”

Kerns shot a 69 Sunday at the qualifier in Olive Branch, Miss. He shot a 33 on the front nine and had a 36 on the back nine when he double bogeyed the final hole.

The double bogey enabled Austin Cook of Jonesboro, Ark., to win the event by two strokes.

“It would have been nice to win, but I’m looking at the big picture. I went down there to make the tournament and that’s what I did,” said Kerns.

Kerns had eight birdies and six pars on the Olive Branch course.

“Every time I made a bogey, I came back with a couple of birdies. I hit the ball really well. It was just a great day all-around,” said Kerns.

“I putted the ball really well. The greens were real similar to what we’re used to at home.”