Mules claim district title and break record

FARMINGTON — In a loaded district, the Poplar Bluff Mules golf team proved to be one of the best in the bunch.

In a golf showdown against 15 other teams at the Crown Pointe Golf Club on Monday, the Mules handled the course to perfection and were crowned this year’s Class 4 District 1 champions with a team score of 280.

With his first shot at being the head coach, Tyler Davis has watched the Mules blossom to new heights this season. The Mules rolled into the district tournament with an 11-2 record and snagged numerous of invitational wins this season.

The Mules finished with multiple golfers in the top five, led by senior Lawson Barks, who finished first with a Par score of -6 and a stroke score of 66. Corban Thomas followed with second place by shooting a 70, Landon Barks in third, shooting a 71 and Caiden Luke tied with fifth by shooting a 73.

While on the quest to capture the district title, The Mules did something unexpected and broke the previous MSHSAA state record of 287 for a par 72 course. Davis said the team entered the tournament with a lot of momentum with how they’ve performed all season, but he was quite surprised with how the Mules executed on every hole.

“Today was pretty surreal,” Davis said. “I was expecting us to win Districts today, but I had no idea how well these guys were going to play. Beating the MSHSAA State Record for a par 72 course by 7 strokes was not in my realm of thought, but they got it done.”

Davis said the team will celebrate their win, but the work has just begun for the Mules

“Each and every one of them played phenomenally,” Davis added. “Tonight, we are going to celebrate, but come tomorrow, we are back to working hard to prepare for state because we aren't finished yet. There are 36 more holes we got our focus on, and we are ready for them.”