Barks brothers look back on state title

Winning a state title in high school is one of the greatest achievements any high school athlete could ask for, but for an athlete to win with their sibling at their side makes that moment even more special.

Last week, the Poplar Bluff Mules boys golf team battled against 10 other teams to claim the 2024 MSHSAA Class 4 state championship on May 14 at Dalhousie Golf Club. With the win, the Mules ended a 28-year state title drought.

The Mules were led by their only senior, Lawson Barks, juniors Caiden Luke and Bryce Millner, sophomore Corban Thomas and freshmen Chaz Love and Landon Barks. While Lawson Barks ended his senior year on a high note, it would be his brother Landon to make a bigger impact at this year’s state tournament.

Landon closed out the first round, holding the No. 1 spot for most of the tournament and, despite a little adversity towards the end, the freshman golfer still finished as state runner-up.

Lawson said watching his younger brother excel in this year’s tournament was not only special to him, but also to his family.

“I feel like we had this planned out at the beginning of the season,” Lawson said. “To know that I am on my way and he’s just getting started is pretty amazing. I thought he was going to win it all, but I’m still proud of him.

“Landon has worked extremely hard, so it was awesome to watch. He’s a tough competitor, and I’ve been waiting for him to have his big moment.”

Landon agreed that winning the state title was an amazing moment, and having his brother along for the ride made it a memory he will never forget.

“We talked about this moment all season,” Landon said. “It really feels great to send him off to college knowing that we did something big in the one year that we had together. I know it had to feel great to have his younger brother beside him, and it’s going to be one of my favorite memories for us. I wish I had more time to play with him, but I know he will do good in college and we’ll always have this moment of being state champs.”

The Mules won several invitationals this season, which gave them a lot of success. Head coach Tyler Davis is pleased with the team’s performance, but is also looking forward to what lies ahead for the program.

“I really enjoyed having Lawson and this entire group this year,” Davis said. “It feels good to know that I have key players returning and that I have these freshmen for the next three years. It really gives great promise for this program, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for them.

“With the players we have returning, I’m willing to say that we are going to have a shot at it again next year. I’m excited to see how that’s going to turn out.”