Barks signs with Central Missouri

Poplar Bluff High School boys golf coach Tyler Davis knew Lawson Barks even before Davis took the reins of the program this spring.

“We both worked at Westwood Hills Country Club,” Davis said. “Working with Lawson was enjoyable. He was a hard worker, dedicated to the job, and overall a pleasure to work with.

“We would have putting competitions in our slow times and occasionally go and play a few holes while waiting for the last few carts to come in. And in those few holes we played he was steadily better than I was. Lawson was then and is still now a phenomenal player.”

Barks, who is the Mules’ top golfer this spring, solidified his future plans Thursday afternoon when he signed his letter of intent to play collegiate golf next season at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

Jimmy Vernon, the club pro at WHCC, directed Barks to UCM.

“Jimmy told me about the coach there and told me they had a good program,” Barks said. “I got in touch with (the coach) and now I’m going there.”

As of Thursday, Barks has not shot above 39 in a nine-hole event this spring, or above 78 in 18-hole events. He shot a 1-over 73 and tied for eighth at the team’s most recent tournament.

“Lawson always has good emotions on and off the course and keeps a level head while playing,” Davis said. “If he hits a bad shot or has an unfortunate result, he keeps on playing and forgets that it happened by the time he gets up to where his ball lies.”

Barks is also a team captain for the Mules this season.

“He helps his teammates when they are struggling and encourages and cheers them on,” Davis said. “His favorite of which to do is to show his younger brother Landon what you would call that sweet brotherly love — always giving him advice and what I would interpret as words of endearment.

“But all in all Lawson is a great golfer and it has been a pleasure to get to know and watch him grow in the game of golf. I know he is going to do great things whether that be in the game or elsewhere.”

Barks is the son of Morgan and Kenneth Barks. He plans to major in sports management with a minor in business at UCM.