Mules, Dexter wrap up first day at state golf tourney

BOLIVAR, Mo. — The Poplar Bluff Mules’ two golfers at the MSHSAA Class 5 State Tournament at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club wrapped up the first round on Monday.

The Mules sent junior Lawson Barks and freshman Corbin Thomas to the state tournament after each finished all-district a couple of weeks ago.

Liberty North’s Caden Mickelson and St. Louis University High’s Harrison Zipfel are currently leading the tournament as both golfers fire an opening round 69.

Chaminade, a district foe for Poplar Bluff, leads the tournament with a 296. Rockhurst is currently is second with a 297 and Helias is a shot behind at 298.

Poplar Bluff head coach Billy Pyland said before the district tournament that he knew the field was stacked and what he said was reinforced with Chaminade’s great opening round.

“That tells you a lot about our district and how tough it’s playing,” he said.

Barks is currently tied for 41st with his 78 in the first round. Thomas shot an 86 in his first state tournament.

“Just a tough day for my young guys,” Pyland said. “Had some unfortunate luck. They’re better players than what they showed but that’s what compeition does to you, espcially in the Class 5 we’re in. They’ll play better tomorrow, no doubt.”

Barks and Thomas are back in action today for the final round in Bolivar.

Class 3 State Tournament

The Dexter Bearcats competed in day one of the MSHSAA Class 3 State Golf Tournament at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield Monday with one player eyeing a top-10 finish.

While Dexter is in eighth after the first day of competition with a 350, Ben Christian carded an 80, as he’s just a few shots away from the top-10.

“Ben hit the ball a lot better than he scored,” Dexter coach Eric Sitze said. “He had a few unlucky breaks but he hit it well so hopefully he can improve tomorrow and move up.”

Bishop LeBlond leads the tournament at 309 while there is currently a three-way tie for first in individual action.

Bishop LeBond’s Timothy Frazier Johnson, Father Tolton’s Andrew James Fallis and Monett’s Jaxon Rhea Bailey all finished with a 73 to take a one-shot lead into day two.

Fredric Nesselrodt is tied for 38th with an 85 for the Bearcats while Tucker Temples shot an 87. Alyssa Warren carded an 98 for Dexter to round out its team scoring.

Sitze said it was a difficult course for all golfers on Monday.

“Fairways are tough to hit here and the rough and trees make it a challenghing course,” he said.

Sitze and his Bearcats hit the course today for the final round in New Bloomfield.