Skill and sportsmanship showcased at 70th annual SEMO Ladies Golf Tournament

SIKESTON — Under a bright sun and clear skies, Fox Haven Country Club played host to fierce competition as women golfers from across the region gathered for the 70th annual SEMO Ladies Golf Tournament on Tuesday, June 6.

A total of 61 talented women golfers, representing eight different courses from across Southeast Missouri, converged on the greens for some intense competition and friendly camaraderie.

“Everything went perfectly,” said tournament director Janie Wheeler. “It’s a lot of fun. None of us are professional golfers and it provides some good sisterhood. We all know each other and are really good friends. We travel to each other’s courses all summer long.”

The Kimbeland Country Club golf team stands�for a photo after the 70th annual SEMO Ladies Golf Tournament at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston, Missouri on Tuesday, June 6.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Kimbeland Country Club defended its title. The squad displayed remarkable poise and skill on the verdant fairways, securing a commanding victory in both the team gross (333) and team net (282) divisions.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Kimbeland golfer Debbie Phillips. “We tried to bring as many ladies as we can so that hopefully we would get four ladies with a good round and we could win at least one of the trophies. I like playing with ladies from different courses. It’s a lot of fun making new connections through a game that we all enjoy.”

Kimbeland’s exceptional team play and unwavering focus left their competitors in awe, solidifying their reputation as one of the most formidable and respected teams in the area.

Bridgett Gilbert�competes during the 70th annual SEMO Ladies Golf Tournament at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston, Missouri on Tuesday, June 6.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“It’s wonderful,” Phillips said. “It’s something that we talk about all year round. We think about it all year and it’s something we started preparing for several months ago.”

Many of the participants emphasized the benefits of belonging to a community of golf enthusiasts, including access to the club’s facilities and the opportunity to build lasting friendships with fellow members.

“[Playing in a tournament like this is] so much fun because it’s based on your handicap,” Phillips said. “You can have a 40 handicap or a 10 handicap and it doesn’t matter. We’re all flighted so you’re playing against people of your ability. Come out and play. It’s a lot of fun.”

Debbie Bard�competes during the 70th annual SEMO Ladies Golf Tournament at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston, Missouri on Tuesday, June 6.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Golf enthusiasts have long extolled the virtues of the game, citing its myriad benefits for both mind and body. From improving mental focus and physical fitness to fostering a deep sense of spiritual connection to the natural world, golf offers a wealth of rewards to those who take up the sport.

Bridgett Gilbert emerged as the winner of the championship flight with an impressive gross score of 79.

Gilbert’s exceptional performance on the course was the result of her skill, focus and determination.

Shelly Bohnm�competes during the 70th annual SEMO Ladies Golf Tournament at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston, Missouri on Tuesday, June 6.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“I’m so proud of my teammates and that we had seven individuals play this year,” Gilbert said. “Last year, we didn’t even have four, so we’re growing as a team and as a club. I just love this golf course. It was very fair and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the front nine much more than the back nine though. The fairways are in great shape, the ball sits up and the greens roll pretty true. They’re just the right speed and you don’t have to baby them. It’s nice to just go at the hole.”

Throughout the tournament, Gilbert demonstrated her prowess by making calculated shots and executing difficult maneuvers with precision. Her ability to maintain her composure under pressure was also evident, as she navigated the course with confidence and grace.

“I played pretty well on the front nine,” she concluded. “When I got off the green or in a little bit of trouble I chipped up and made my putts. Everything was going along pretty well. My drives were really solid, but I just let a few shots get away from me on the back nine. I’m just thrilled to be taking the day off from work and playing golf.”

As the tournament came to a close, participants were already expressing their excitement for next year’s event. Looking ahead, it was announced that next year’s tournament will be held at Cape Girardeau County Club.

Many golfers expressed their anticipation for the event, which will undoubtedly bring together some of the top female players in the area once again.

70TH ANNUAL SEMO LADIES GOLF TOURNAMENT

Team Results—Gross Division: 1, Kimbeland C.C. 333; 2, Fox Haven C.C. 340; 3, Cape Girardeau 341; 4, St. Francois C.C. 345; 5, Kennett C.C. 363.

Net Division: 1, Kimbeland C.C. 282; 2, Fox Haven C.C. 288; 3, St. Francois C.C. 293; 4, Kennett C.C. 297; 5, Cape Girardeau C.C. 308.

Championship Flight—Gross: 1, Bridgett Gilbert 79; 2, Jo Billings 80; 3, Sissy Banken 81; t-4, Patty Robinson 83; t-4, Trish Shaw 83; t-6, Bev Wright 85; t-6, Vicki Long 85; t-6, Cathy Knight 85; t-6, Andrea Wendel 85.

Flight 2—Gross: 1, Ann Donbrowski 84; 2, Suzie Ruppert 85; t-3, Janie Wheeler 87; t-3, Lori Merrill 87; t-3, Karen Heisel 87; t-6, Anita Jo Brogden 89; 2, Nancy Kohl 89.

Flight 3—Gross: t-1, Molly Dawson 83; t-1, Barb Johnson 83; 3, Debbie Phillips 84; 4, Susan Vickery 85; t-5, Lu Ann Kiefner 88; t-5, Brenda Johnston 88.

Flight 4—Gross: 1, Linda Williams 89; 2, Carol Largent 90; 3, Joan Walter 94; 4, Wanda Verhimes 95; 5, JoAnn Williams 96; t-6, Martha Johnson 97; t-6, Pam Carr 97.