Slaten's summer tuneup

Brett Slaten has high hopes for his high school golf career, and following a state appearance as a freshman at Notre Dame, Slaten is putting his time in on the course this summer to make sure his game stays on form.

Slaten is participating in the Gateway PGA/Southeast Missouri Junior Series this summer and plays nearly every day. Of course, hitting the links daily is a plan to which many would gladly adhere.

"I like it," Slaten said of his summer golfing schedule.

In his first high school season, Slaten emerged as one of the top golfers in the area. Slaten and teammate Brandon Holzum each earned a trip to the Class 3 state tournament at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club in Bolivar, Mo.

As one of just 15 freshmen in the Class 3 field of more than 100 golfers, Slaten finished near the bottom of the field with a two-day score of 184 on the par-72 course.

"State was horrible, but the season was all right," Slaten said.

With three seasons left to improve his state standing, Slaten's first trip to the tournament should prove to be a valuable experience.

"The score wasn't good, but the experience was pretty fun," Slaten admitted.

Playing on the series at courses throughout the area or at home on Bent Creek Golf Course, Slaten is working to fill some of the gaps in his game as he works toward his ultimate goal of a state championship.

Slaten has been at or near the top throughout the junior series this summer, which had its latest stop Thursday at Dalhousie Golf Club. Slaten tied with Brett Martindale for first in the 14- to 15-year-old regular division with an 85.

Slaten said his short game is the area he's working on most this summer.

"I'd say irons and drivers are my strength," Slaten said. "The short game's not the best right now."

Thursday's results

Jordan McLaurin shot the low round with a 74 to capture the Tour division for 16- to 18-year-olds. Trent Hillis shot an 80 for the top spot in the Tour division for 14- to 15-year-olds.

Winners in the regular division for 18 holes included Eric Hayes (boys ages 12 to 13), Blake Martindale (16-18 boys) and Kassie Walker (16-18 girls). Zach Downing (10-11 boys), Ryan Richardson (14-18 boys) and Kate Edwards (12-13 girls) were winners in the nine-hole regular divisions, while Corey Connell and Jesse Hency tied atop the 12-13 boys division.

The next stop for the series will by July 17 at Westwood Hills in Poplar Bluff, Mo. There were 63 competitors for Thursday's event, the high mark for the summer.

Jack Connell, director of golf at Dalhousie who runs the Gateway PGA Junior Series, said the series continues to grow and is a good sign for golf in Southeast Missouri.

"Juniors are wanting to be more competitive, and it's really good for the game to see the kids learn the rules while enjoying the camaraderie but also enjoying the competition," Connell said.

The series finale will be July 17 at Kimbeland Country Club in Jackson.

"It's very good for the juniors in the Bootheel area because they'll play the courses that their schools will compete at and play the players they'll compete against," Connell said.

Results

Boys

10-11 (nine holes) -- Zach Downing 56, Gabe Wheeler 69, Hunter Pyland 88

12-13 (nine holes) -- Corey Connell 47, Jesse Hency 47, Evan Deere 48

14-18 (nine holes) -- Ryan Richardson 48, Michael Weber 64

12-13 (18 holes) -- Eric Hayes 79, Zach Vaeth 90, Carr Vernon 107

14-15 (18 holes) -- Brett Slaten 85, Brett Martindale 85, Justin Fields 92

16-18 (18 holes) -- Blake Martindale 82, Taylor Bond 89, Cody Berrong 90

14-15 tour (18 holes) -- Trent Hillis 80, Chance Holden 83, John Bowman 85

16-18 tour (18 holes) -- John McLaurin 74, Kirk Lohmann 75, Zach Kluesner 75

Girls

12-13 (nine holes) -- Kate Edwards 56, Caroline Harding 67

16-18 (18 holes) -- Kassie Walker 107, Emily Matthews 116