Stupples returns to Cape, voices support for Indians

The new Women's British Open champion was a special guest at the media day luncheon.

By Marty Mishow ~ Southeast Missourian

Expect the LPGA Tour's hottest golfer to follow the progress of Southeast Missouri University football this season.

Karen Stupples, the touring professional for Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau, is in town this week as a guest of Dalhousie.

After arriving in Cape Girardeau early Monday evening, Stupples was a special guest at Tuesday afternoon's Southeast football media day luncheon at the Show Me Center.

Stupples, who has won more than $500,000 in the last three weeks -- including her first major title at the Women's British Open -- came away impressed after hearing Southeast's coaches and a few top players speak during the luncheon.

"Definitely, I will follow the team this year," said a smiling Stupples. "I think they'll do great. They all seem so positive."

Stupples is from England, where soccer is much more popular than American football. But she said she's been a big fan of the sport ever since she played collegiate golf at Florida State.

"I love football," she said. "I went to Florida State. How can you not?"

Stupples has had quite a demanding travel schedule over the past several weeks, but it has coincided with the hottest stretch of her career.

After finishing fourth on July 24 in the Evian Masters in France, she won the Women's British Open in her native England the following week, then this past Sunday she wrapped up a tie for second in the Jamie Farr Classic in Ohio. The following day, she was in Cape Girardeau.

"It's been a weird week," said Stupples, who held the lead at the Jamie Farr Classic entering the final round. "By the final day, I was just exhausted. I didn't have my legs. But Meg Mallon played fantastic."

Tired or not, Stupples said she always enjoys coming to Cape Girardeau for her relationship with Dalhousie.

"It's been fantastic," she said. "Every time I arrive in Cape, people make me feel so at home. It's just a real pleasure to come here."