Mules prep for state, win handily

Poplar Bluff posted a 24-shot victory at the conference tournament.

Surprises were few and far between Tuesday in the SEMO Conference golf tournament at Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau.

About the only thing that left coaches shaking their heads in disbelief is how easily Poplar Bluff plowed through the course. The state-bound Mules reinforced their position as the best golf program in the area by firing up a team score of 301, 24 strokes better than runner-up Central.

"They're the team to beat, and not just in this area," Central coach Dick Wadlington said. "To come here and put up a 300 puts them in good position heading to the state tournament. And one of their best kids didn't even count in their score."

The Mules had the top three finishers in Tyler Hillis, who shot an even-par 72 for medalist honors; Josh Dowdy, who shot a 73; and Corey Poteet, who scored a 76. James Spurgeon was in a three-way tie for ninth with an 80. Jake Robertson, a top-30 finisher in the state tournament last year, was fifth on the team and didn't count toward the Mules' score.

Central was led by Blake Driskell and Zack Kluesner, each of whom shot a 79. Kirk Lohmann and Jack Connell each shot 81s.

"We're pleased to come in second," Wadlington said. "I think some of the guys would've liked to have shot better, but this is a hard course and there are a lot of places to get into trouble."

For Driskell and Lohmann, the event was a final tuneup before the state tournament Monday and Tuesday in the Springfield region. They will compete in Class 4 as individuals.

"It's great preparation for state," Driskell said. "It's as good a golf course as I'll play. I don't think the state course will be any harder than it is out here or the one [Quail Creek] from districts. That one was brutal."

Notre Dame's Will Lindman (80) and Jon Blattel (84) also used the event as a tuneup for the state event. They will compete next week in the Class 3 tournament.

"I was pretty pleased with the way I played," Lindman said. "A lot of practice paid off today. I wanted to go out and shoot my average, and I was really close to what I wanted to do.

"This should be excellent preparation for state. This is a challenging course and should help with next week's rounds."

Notre Dame as a team finished sixth in the nine-team field.

Jackson, which has no state qualifiers, put up a 325 for the third-place plaque.

"They've gotten better as the season has gone along," Wadlington said.

The Indians were led by Gabe Sauer, who tied for fourth overall with a 77. Taylor McDowell shot an 80, Alex Balsman scored an 83 and Ryan Mouser shot an 85 to round out scoring.

Team scores

Poplar Bluff 301, Central 320, Jackson 325, Dexter 342, Sikeston 342, Notre Dame 344, Kennett 365, Caruthersville 380, New Madrid County Central 422.

Top 10 individuals

Tyler Hillis (PB) 72, Josh Dowdy (PB) 73, Corey Poteet (PB) 76, E.C. Atchison (Sikeston) 77, Sam Bass (Doniphan) 77, Blake Driskell (C) 79, Zack Kluesner (C) 79, Will Lindman (ND) 80, Taylor McDowell (J) 80, James Spurgeon (PB) 80.

Local teams

Central -- Driskell 79, Kluesner 79, Kirk Lohmann 81, Jack Connell 81, Robert Kaverman 89.

Jackson -- Sauer 77, McDowell 80, Alex Balsman 83, Ryan Mouser 85, Josh Wheeler 89.

Notre Dame -- Lindman 80, Jon Blattel 84, Brandon Holzum 88, Clayton Eftink 92, Tyler Menz 97.