Bent Creek cuts back on its bunkers

If golfers find the sand at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jackson, Mo., less often these days, sorry to say, it may not be due to dramatic improvements in their game.

The course has eliminated a half dozen bunkers this year as it has tackled its most glaring problem.

"With as many bunkers as we had, to keep them looking good and playable, it was difficult," Litzelfelner said.

The course, which opened in 1990, has seen its bunker total reduced from 56 to 40 over the years.

"We've spent the summer eliminating some, making others a lot better and putting in new sand," said co-owner Mike Litzelfelner. "They're a lot better. Some are not completely done, but they're close."

The course's steep-faced bunkers have been prone to washouts during rain and steps were taken to correct the problem. Besides eliminating some, the course has put grass faces on the downslopes and down-sized several bunkers in the process.

Litzelfelner has been happy with the results and has gotten positive responses.

"They're really better looking, a lot more playable and just easier for us to maintain," he said.

Personnel change

Cape Girardeau Country Club has undergone a personnel change in the past couple of weeks with the departure of head professional David Cantrell.

Cantrell had been the head professional since the spring of 2001 after replacing Jack Connell, who moved on to become director of golf at Dalhousie Golf Club. Cantrell, a 1980 graduate of Central High School, had returned to the area from California.

Billy Birk, formerly the assistant under Cantrell, has been promoted to head professional. The club will hire an assistant to Cantrell next year.

Dalhousie awards titles

Mark Allen shot a three-day 215 to win the first men's club championship Sunday at Dalhousie Golf Club.

Allen shot a 77 on the opening day, then followed with a round of 70 Saturday and a 3-under 68 on the final day.

Bill Bishop led Bob Garrett by three strokes to win the A flight. Jeff Patton won by two strokes over Dave Clabaugh in seniors. Phyllis Seabaugh topped Bev Prater, Robin Davis and Brenda Vanden Brook in the women's division.

Labor Day winners

Mark and Christy McDowell and Neil and Bev Prater won the low gross title with a 67 at the four-person scramble Monday at Dalhousie Golf Club.

Lyle and Robin Davis, Patty Ralph and Dick Schaefer shot 60 to win the low net award. Jim and Beverly Rust and Jerry and Nancy Stone shot a 20 to take the low putts title.

Closest to the pin were Neil Prater (No. 5), Alison Gowan (8), Dick Schaffer (11) and Bev Prater (13).

Pair of aces

The women stepped forward last week as two made just a single stroke with the club and with the pencil.

Caryn Michel of Cape Girardeau aced the 18th hole at Arcadia Valley Country Club. Michel used a 5-wood on the 165-yard hole for her first career hole in one. Witnesses were Mari Davis, Deanna Peterman and Sharon Dow.

Mary Alice Regenhardt of Cape Girardeau carded her first career ace on the 11th hole at Cape Girardeau Country Club. Regenhardt used a 6-iron to hole out on the 100-yard hole. Witnesses were Catherine Weed and Beth Mapes.

Chip-A-Ways

Carol Brown shot 46 on the back nine at Cape Jaycee Municipal Golf Course to win A flight at the Chip-A-ways' weekly event.

Jan Weinhold finished first in B flight. Mary VanCleve, Jo Ann Williams, Jeanna Koch and Bev Wink all tied for the low-putt total. Lil Angle and Carol Brown claimed the play of the day, "secret partners."

The foursome of Michel, Davis, Peterman and Dow placed first in championship flight in a recent four-person scramble at Arcadia Valley Country Club.

Kimbeland Country Club

Barb Johnson was medalist at the Ladies Golf Association's weekly competition at Kimbeland Country Club.

Play of the day was "low score on par 3s and par 5s." Winners were Johnson (championship), Jackie Anderson (A flight) and Janis Gilbert (B flight).