Ace trumps highlights at junior event

Ashley Richardet of Perryville sank a hole in one in tournament play.

Southeast Missourian

The seventh of eight tournaments in the PGA Gateway Southeast Missouri Junior Series at Cape Girardeau Country Club on Monday was highlighted by Ashley Richardet's hole in one on the 11th hole.

Richardet, a St. Vincent graduate who will play golf at Maryville University in St. Louis next year, covered the 100 yards to the hole with a pitching wedge. While it was her first ace, Richardet had a calm reaction.

"I just didn't know it went in," Richardet said. "I didn't believe it."

Jack Connell, the series director for the Southeast Missouri region, said he wasn't aware of hole-in-one on the junior series since he's been involved.

"I don't remember another one," he said. "We were all excited."

In her nine years of golf, including playing for St. Vincent's boy's golf team, Richardet has certainly had her share of near-misses at the Perryville Country Club. It took a new setting for her to finally put one in.

"I've probably been close, but I've never actually done it before," she said. "It was very exciting."

Richardet finished her round with a 93. Megan Agey topped the 16-18 age group of the tour division with an 84.

Richardet said she's had mixed results through the series' first seven events.

"It's off and on," she said. "I've never played any of these courses."

Central graduate Todd Obergoenner shot the low score for the day with a 1-under-par 69 to win the 16-18 boys tour division. Tyler Holden was second with a 73, and Josh Dowdy shot a 74.

Jordan McLaurin won the boys 14-15 tour division with a 72. Danner McCauley followed with a 77, and Zachery Richardet shot a 78.

Winners in the nine-hole regular division included Eric Hayes (10-11), Jon Bowman (12-13) and Mark Crews (14-15). Trent Hillis (12-13), Alex Balsman (14-15) and Andrew Stuever (16-18) won in the 18-hole regular division.

The top three overall finishers in each division for the eight-tournament series qualify for the Gateway PGA Junior Championship in St. Louis. The nine-hole championship will be played July 26-27 at the Ballwin Golf Club. The 18-hole and tour division championship will take place August 2-3 at Crystal Springs Quarry.