Myers, Fowler pursue 5th Lassies Classic title

The path is clear for Harriete Myers and Diane Fowler to resume their chase for the record.

Myers and Fowler will be among the 100 two-women teams teeing off today in the 26th annual Lassies Classic Golf Tournament at Cape Girardeau Country Club. The 36-hole, two-day scramble concludes Thursday.

Myers and Fowler, from New Madrid, have four tournament titles in the event -- one short of the record owned by Mary Bain and Polly Bess. However, Myers and Fowler's string of four consecutive titles was ended last year by the team of Betty Beloite and Sandi McGinnis.

The defending champions won't be back this year.

"It's the largest women's tournament in the area," said Marion Miles-Edwards, the tournament's publicity director. "And this year we have players from 10 states."

The tournament's attraction is value -- "It is a good deal," said Miles-Edwards -- and tradition.

In its 26 years, the Lassies Classic has picked up some storied habits: Tartan flags lining the entrance and on the greens; a bagpiper; "Nessie," an inflatable Loch Ness monster for a pond; and the Hall of Blame.

Among those in the field with a chance to derail Myers and Fowler's quest are two other former championship pairings: Vicki Long, of Kimbeland, and her partner, Janice Hoffman, of Dexter; and Martha Hamilton, of Cape Country Club, and her partner, Barb Johnson, of Kimbeland. Robyn Young and Judi Brey, both past champions, will be in the field though with partners who have not won.

Tee times are 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. today and Thursday with the contenders teeing off in the afternoon Thursday.