Mules crowned Class 4 state champs, snaps 28-year gap

CAPE GIRARDEAU — For nearly 30 years, the Poplar Bluff golf team has been deprived of being called state champions, but after a solid performance on the greens at this year’s state championship tournament, the long-awaited dream became a reality.

In a two-day battle, the Mules outlasted some stiff competition at the Dalhousie Golf Club, but their superior abilities gave them a commanding lead that would see them named the 2024 MSHSAA Class 4 Boys Golf State Champions.

After signing with the University of Central Missouri to continue his golf career, Lawson Barks’ senior year keeps getting better and better. As the only senior on the team, Barks, who finished third, couldn’t see any better way to seal his final season with the Mules.

“This is a sweet moment,” Barks said. “I absolutely love this team. We've worked our butts off all year to get here, and it paid off. For us to win by as much as we did is just insane. This team is absolutely competitive. Every time we go out and play, it's a battle between us. When it comes game time, we don't care about anything else but winning. We don't care who wins, we want our team to win, and that’s what I love and will miss about this team.”

The Mules finished with a team score of 595 and had an easy ride to victory with a 26-stroke lead to close out the second round. Though it was his first season as the head coach, Tyler Davis saw something in this team earlier in the year and knew that with hard work and dedication, they would be the best team standing in the end.

The last time the Mules won a state title was in 1996, and the last time they placed was in 2012, when they finished fourth.

“It’s kind of a surreal moment,” Davis said. “It took me a minute to wrap my mind around it. Watching these guys work day in and day out, then seeing everything pay off at the end of the year, is the best thing a coach could ask for. They came out here and got the job done, and they did it in stellar fashion.”

Davis said Barks had been the Mules' rock all season with his elite play and leadership on and off the field. He said watching Barks leave on a high note as a state champion is incredible.

“After a while, you just know what to expect from him when he goes out and plays,” Davis said. “He came out here and did what I expected. He shot 147 over a span of two days, and I really wish I had more time with him, but I know he’s going to do great things at the next level.”

A state championship win wouldn’t mean as much without a little adversity sprinkled in. Though the Mules held a comfortable lead, Mother Nature would make an appearance towards the end with some strong winds and a few showers. Freshman Landon Barks entered the second round, tied for first, and maintained the lead for most of the day.

With the winds picked and mild showers around the final hole, the game would come down to the wire as Landon would find himself with one last shot to seal the deal. In his final play, Landon missed his game-winning putt by a hair to claim runner-up in the state championship. Quinn Thomas of Hannibal would win the overall state championship with a score of 143.

Despite finishing second in individual play with a score of 144, Landon said nothing can take away the moment of being a state champion with his team.

“I have a lot going through my mind after that final hole,” Landon said. “I’m not sure how to feel, but I’m just excited to have this moment with my team. It feels good to be a freshman and be at the top. I almost pulled it off, but I came up short. It really just makes me want to work harder for the years to come where I can win at least one solo state title.”

Though he’s already experienced the feeling of being a state champion, Landon said his mindset is to work twice as hard next season.

The Mules athletic director, Kent Keith, was there with the squad every step of the way. He said that after the team had lost to Jackson High School earlier this season, it was the turning point when he saw the Mules more focused than ever on the field.

“It’s just an awesome feeling,” Keith said. “The neat thing about making it to this point is that they caught fire after losing to Jackson. That loss stuck with them, and they didn’t lose again. They returned to win their invitational, conference tournament and districts. They had a goal in mind, and they accomplished it. We’re really proud of them.”

Keith said he’s witnessed a few state title wins during his time as AD, but this one was special to him.

“In my 12 years as AD, we've won a couple in cheer, and then we've won a girls' track, but you never get tired of watching these student-athletes succeed. This title is the first one I've won as AD with a boy's team, so it's awesome. This is a great feeling for our school and the town of Poplar Bluff, and we truly applaud them on their hard work this year.”

Corban Thomas and Caiden Luck tied for ninth with a score of 152, while Chaz Love tied for 22nd, moving up 14 spots from the first round.