Blog

CLG Goes to Ireland

Posted on

Central Links Golf Members visited South West Ireland from September 7th to September 14th. 

Here is a little recap of what their incredible trip looked like:

Day 1 – Arrival

After a long flight over the Atlantic Ocean, our CLG members landed in Ireland and were greeted by the Sullivan Golf Travel Team. After a two-hour bus ride down a narrow, curvy road, they arrived in Killarney. They arrived at the beautiful Randles Court Hotel with a warm welcome from the hotel staff. The check-in was easy, even for the big group. The CLG members spent the rest of the day exploring the various shops and pubs in Killarney and then returned to the hotel for a welcome dinner, where they could relax and get to know everyone.

Day 2 – Old Head

“Old Head Golf Links is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic golf courses in the world,” Doug Habel, CLG Executive Director, said when asked about the second day of the trip. They had a typical Irish day – cool and 30mph winds. “Number 11 is among the most memorable holes I have ever played,” Habel said after returning home. “A par-5 along the cliff with a narrow fairway and howling winds. It was quite an adventure.”

Day 3 – Ballybunion

The members’ second round of golf was at Ballybunion Golf Club, one of Tom Watson’s favorite courses. The front nine plays on level terrain but with some tricky greens. However, the back nine is a roller coaster through massive sand dunes. The members enjoyed the fun round and understood how it has received so many great reviews.

Day 4 – Waterville

The third round of golf at Waterville Golf Links was another fun adventure through the sand dunes and wind. All the employees at Waterville were incredibly kind and inviting. The members enjoyed getting to know the caddies, who were friendly and clearly loved the town and golf course. 

The non-golfers spent the day touring the Ring of Kerry, a rugged and lush coastal landscape with rural seaside villages.

Day 5 

There was no golf on the 5th day of the trip. Some members choose to relax in town after the first three days of golf or explore the area around Killarney.

Day 6 – Talee Golf Club

The members’ fourth round was played at Tralee Golf Club. It was a favorite of the many players on the trip. The course’s stunning ocean views and dramatic holes along the sea made it tougher than Ballybunion and Waterville. 

Following golf, the members traveled to Lahinch and checked into the Vaughn Lodge for the last two nights.

Day 7 – Lahinch

The final round was played at Lahinch Golf Club. “My personal favorite,” Habel said, “was full of dramatic dunes, blind shots, unique holes, and Alistair Mackenzie-designed greens. I thought it was as good as golf gets.” It was windy, cold, and raining a little as they finished the round. Habel said it was a great way to end the trip. 

They finished the trip with a farewell dinner at the Vaughn Lodge, which included a traditional Irish music performance. It was a great way to end the trip!

Winslow Wins Again At KC Amateur Championship

Posted on

The Kansas City Amateur, presented by Granite Garage Floors Kansas City, was held at the Golf Club of Creekmoor from July 26 to 28. During rounds one and two, 141 players competed in stroke play, with a cut after 36 holes for each division.

Open Division

Michael Winslow won the Kansas City Amateur Championship, carding 68-78-64-210 (-6). The Open Division included many of the top competitive golfers in the area. After the second round, the cut was to a low 36, and ties leading into the final round. Winslow, the 2024 Kansas Amateur Champion, had an impressive final round of the tournament, carding 64 (-8) to jump from 21st place to the lead. “I started my final round five-under through five, which was huge,” Winslow said after finishing his round. “It was a blast! Preserved through the back nine in the wind to shoot one under on the back. It was a lot of fun!” Tyler Strong carded 69-72-71-212 (-4) to tie with Nathan Hughes, who shot 71-70-71-212 (-4), for Runner-up. After the three rounds, Strong won the title of Low Junior. 

Senior Division

Dave Cunningham is the Senior Division Champion, carding 72-72-73-217 (+1). His consistency led to his victory. Ed Brown, the Senior Division runner-up, scored 78-72-75-225 (+9).

Super Senior

Steve Groom won the Super Senior Division, carding 71-72-75-218 (+2). Groom won the division by eight shots over Tracy Chamberlin, the runner-up, who scored 74-78-74-226 (+10) in the three rounds. Michael Casamento won the Super Senior Net Division, carding 73-72-76-221 (+5).

Players Division

Song Kim won the Players Division, carding an impressive 78-72-79-229 (+13). The Runner-up, Arjun Roy, carded 86-73-76-235 (+19). The Net Players Division Champion, Chris O’Dowd, scored 73-68-77-218 (+2).

Legends Division

Don Kuehn won the Legends Division, shooting 71-75-76 -222 (+6). He secured his fiftieth Championship Victory, a milestone that underscores his status as a legend in the sport.

Full Results >>

Misemer Wins Her Second Prairie Invitational Championship

Posted on

The Prairie Invitational Championship occurred at Oakwood Country Club on July 22 to 24. The Invitational includes an Open Division with 54 holes, a cut to the top 18, and ties after two rounds—an Opal Hill Division with two rounds and a handicap index between 5.1 and 15.0. 

Open Division

The 2022 Prairie Invitational Champion, Julia Misemer, won the tournament again by 13 strokes. In the three-day event, she carded 70-68-71-209 (-7). Misemer beat the Oakwood Country Club Women’s course record on day two of the Invitational, carding a 68 (-4). “As I was playing, I had no idea what the course record was,” Misemer said after her round. “My theme for the round was perseverance because I started even par on the front. On the back nine, I started to make a few birdies and even a bogey, and then I holed out from 80 yards on the final hole to beat the record.” Misemer stayed patient and consistent in the final round, leading to her victory. 

Amy Dekock was the 2024 Prairie Invitational Runner-up, carding 70-74-78-222 (+6). Martha Linscott, the 2023 Low Senior, reclaimed her title on Tuesday, carding 76-75-151 (+7). Hadley Neese won Low Junior, shooting 77-73-73-223 (+7), just one shot away from Runner-Up.  

Opal Hill Division

The Opal Hill Division consisted of two rounds on Monday and Tuesday. Three ladies tied for first, and after a five-hole playoff, Shelly Amundson took the Opal Hill Gross Champion title. Amundson scored 79-83-162 (+18) in the two days. Brandie Niedens, the Runner-Up, carded 80-82-162 (+18). Lisa Block won the Opal Hill Net Gross Division, carding 68-73-141 (-3). 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their unwavering support in promoting Women’s Golf in Kansas City. Your contribution has been instrumental in making the Prairie Invitational Championship a grand success.

Full Results >>

Winslow Wins the 114th Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship

Posted on

The 114th Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship was held July 16-21st at Topeka Country Club. The Championship began with a 36-hole stroke play, qualifying for the Round of 64 matches.

Micheal Winslow earned the title of Kansas Amateur Champion after 35 holes in the Final Round against Will King. Winslow finished 2up after 35 holes and was projected to shoot 73-67 in the Final Match. In Stroke Play Qualifying, Winslow shot 70-70-140 (-2) to earn the tenth seed going into the Round of 64. 

In the Round of 64, Winslow defeated Jack Bradbury 1up after 18 holes. In his second match, he won 3&2 against Jack Tarvin. During the Round of 16 Matches, Winslow played Jake Huffaker, winning the match 4&3. In the Quarterfinals, Winslow played the two seed, Alex Springer, and won 5&4. Winslow played the Semifinals against Zach Sokolosky, the 2023 Kansas Amateur Champion. This was a rematch from the Final Match of the 2023 Kansas Amateur, where Winslow placed second. Winslow won the Semifinal Match 1up after 18 holes. 

In the Final Match, Winslow played against Will King, the fifth seed. Both players are collegiate golfers in the state of Kansas. King, a part of the KU Men’s Golf Team,  shot 67-70-137 (-5) in the qualifying rounds earlier in the week. Winslow, a part of the Wichita State Men’s Golf Team, was tied with King after the first 18 of the 36-hole Final Match. Both players won five holes to make the match even going into the final 18. Winslow heated up, winning the first hole of the second round. Winslow was 3up through 14, coming down to their final holes. King won the 16th hole to continue to push his way back. However, the players tied the 17th hole, ending the match at Winslow 2up over King. 

Winslow’s victory also earned him an Exemption into the U.S. Amateur Championship in August. “It’s huge to get in the U.S. Amateur; if you are playing Amateur golf, that’s the tournament everyone wants to be in. I can’t wait to get up to Hazeltine!” Winslow said.

Thank you to Topeka Country Club for hosting this wonderful event!  We look forward to the 2025 Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship at Wichita Country Club. 

Full results >>

Louderbaugh Wins Kansas Women’s Amateur

Posted on

The Kansas Women’s Amateur, presented by Mommy’s Helper, concluded on Tuesday evening at Lawrence Country Club. Despite a two-and-a-half-hour rain delay, Lyla Louderbaugh’s exceptional performance shone through as she claimed her second title of the summer, winning the tournament by an impressive eleven strokes. 

Lyla Louderbaugh shot even par in round one. She said, “I talked myself through each shot, [the wind, the slope, and the greens] to keep myself mentally stable to play 36 holes in the 100-degree heat.” She won the event at two-under-par with rounds of 70-71-67-208.

Hanna Hawks’ performance in the Kansas Women’s Amateur was impressive. She secured solo second place with a score of 67-77-75-219 (+9). Hawks’ first round, with four birdies and one bogey, set the tone for her strong showing in the tournament. Her final round included two eagles, one of which was on the par 4, 18th hole.

The Kansas Women’s Amateur also saw impressive performances from Kinslea Jones and Martha Linscott. Jones, who earned the Low Junior title, carded 74-73-77-224 (+14), while Linscott, who earned the Low Senior title, carded 77-82-82-241 (+31). Linscott will play in the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in August.

Louderbaugh is now exempt into the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, which will be held at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from August 5 to 11.

Link to Full Results >>

Kinslea Jones

Louderbaugh Defeats Tilma at CLG Women’s Match Play

Posted on

The CLG Women’s Match Play Championship, sponsored by Granite Garage Floors Kansas City, concluded Wednesday morning at Terradyne Country Club. The field consisted of many highly ranked women golfers. 

Lyla Louderbaugh earned the title of the CLG Women’s Match Play Champion. Louderbaugh carded a 69 (-2) in Monday’s Qualifying round, which earned her the number one seed going into match play. Louderbaugh defeated McClain Neal 2up in the Round of 16. In the Quarterfinal match, Louderbaugh defeated Hannah Robinett 2&1. Louderbaugh played Brooke Thiele in the Semifinal match, beating her 3&1. In the final match, Louderbaugh faced Kate Tilma—both players are collegiate athletes in the state of Kansas. Louderbaugh carded a 66 (-5) to finish 1up over Tilma, who carded 67 (-4). 

In the Silver bracket, Averi Mickelson emerged as the Champion. Mickelson earned the second seed in the bracket after carding an 83 (+12) in Monday’s Qualifying round. In the Quarterfinals, Mickelson defeated Brylie Ellis 3 up. Mickelson defeated Kate Braden in the Semifinal match 6&4. In the Final Match, Mickelson played Aliyah North. Mickelson’s exceptional score of 68 (-3) and North’s 72 (+1) made for an intense match, with Mickelson ultimately winning the last three holes to finish the match 2 up.

Full Results >>

Tarvin & Sun Win at KC Junior Match Play

Posted on

The KC Junior Match Play, sponsored by Granite Garage Floors Kansas City, took place this week at Heritage Park Golf Course. The tournament began Monday morning with an 18-hole stroke-play qualifying round. 

In the Girls Division, Jenny Sun fired a 76 (+5) on Monday’s qualifying round, earning her the number two seed going into match play. She defeated Addie McKenna 2 up in the round of 16. In Tuesday’s Quarterfinal match, Sun overcame Naomi Koontz 3&2, and in the Semifinal match, she defeated Claire Sullivan after 19 holes. Sun faced Hadley Neese in the Final match, winning 6&5. “The match that got me here was the Semifinal match,” Sun said after claiming her trophy. “Claire and I would go back and forth; it was a challenging match.” In her final match, Sun birdied three out of the four par 3s she played. 

In the Boys Division, Myles Tarvin was crowned Champion on Wednesday afternoon. Tarvin shot 72 (+1) in his qualifying round, earning him the eleventh seed going into the round of 16 matches. He overcame a tough match against Parker Boggins, winning 2&1. In the Quarterfinal match, Tarvin had to dig deep to defeat Connor McGee 2 up. In the Semifinal match, he was pushed to his limits by Luke Springer, winning by a narrow margin of 1 up. In the Final match, Tarvin’s resilience paid off, winning 1 up over Parker Bennett on 18. “McGee was my hardest match,” Tarvin said, “he birdied 16, the hardest hole on the course, to tie it up, in my Quarterfinal match. That match came down to the 18th hole.” The Match Play field was filled with many competitive golfers this week. 

Link to full results >>

Whitaker & Schartz Crush the Competition at the Kansas Junior Amateur

Posted on

The Final Round of the Kansas Junior Amateur concluded late Thursday afternoon at Crestwood Country Club. The three-day tournament ended with 14 players scoring under par. Asher Whitaker won the Boys’ division by four strokes over Benjamin Wheeler. Emerie Schartz defended her title, winning the Girls’ division by seven strokes over Avery Schartz. 

Asher Whitaker earned the title of Kansas Junior Champion. He scored a three-day total of 64-66-70-200 (-16). He had one bogey in his first round, a bogey-free second round, and carded four birdies in his final round to secure his victory. “My putting solidified my rounds. I was able to take advantage of the good shots that I hit on the putting green,” Whitaker said after finishing his final round.  Benjamin Wheeler earned solo second, scoring 69-72-63-204 (-12). He is the new course record holder at Crestview Country Club, with his round of 63. 

Emerie Schartz, the defending champion, once again proved her ability by securing the Kansas Girls Junior Champion title with a three-day total of 72-68-68-208 (-8). Her performance, marked by 12 birdies and two eagles, was a testament to her competitive spirit. Her sister, Avery Schartz, showcased her consistency and resilience, carding three birdies in her final nine holes. Avery earned the Kansas Girls Junior Amateur Runner-Up carding 72-72-71-215 (-1).

Emerie Schartz’s three-day total qualifies her to play in the U.S. Girls Junior Amateur Championship at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California, from July 15 to 20.

Central Links Golf is grateful to Crestwood Country Club for hosting the event. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the players and their families for participating, which made this week a truly memorable one.

Winslow Wins The Watson Challenge by Five Shots

Posted on

Round 3 Results >>

The final round of the competitive Watson Challenge, held at Mission Hills Country Club, concluded on Saturday afternoon. Joseph Winslow emerged as the champion, showcasing his exceptional skills and winning the event by five shots over Ben Hadden. 

Winslow started the day one shot back from Julian Taylor, starting strong on his front nine, carding three birdies and an eagle. “The greens this week were unbelievable. The first two days, I putted ok but felt like I was due for a really good putting round, and it happened,” Winslow said during the awards ceremony. Winslow finished his final round three-under. He shot 70-67-67 (-6). His Challenge win also earns him an exemption into next year’s AdventHealth Championship Korn Ferry Tour event. 

Ben Hadden, the only other player to shoot under par, scored 72-67-70 (-1) for the three-day tournament. His journey in this event was particularly touching, as he caddied for his dad a decade ago. Now, he stands as the runner-up in the same event, finishing his round with an up and down to save par and secure the solo second place. 

Jackson Foth was the Watson Challenge Amateur Champion. He placed solo fifth place, carding 69-71-71 (+1).

Joseph Winslow, the newly crowned champion of the Watson Challenge, is now set to take on the PGA Tour Americas. The tour consists of 10 events over 12 weeks, starting in a week and a half.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mission Hills Country Club for their exceptional hospitality and for hosting this event. Their contribution has been instrumental in making this Watson Challenge a success.

Pairing, Live Scoring, and Results can be found here >>

Taylor Leads After Round Two at the Watson Challenge

Posted on

Round 2 Results >>

The second round of the Watson Challenge began Friday morning at Mission Hills Country Club. Julian Taylor, the current frontrunner, wrapped up his round with a birdie on 18, shooting an impressive 67 (-3). “Putting was the best part of my game today,” Taylor said, “I drove the ball really poorly.” Taylor made eight birdies in his second round and hopes to keep that hot streak going into the final round. 

Joseph Winslow, who shot 67 (-3), is in second place, one stroke ahead of Ben Hadden. Winslow carded seven birdies in his second round, which helped to push him to second place. “My mental game was the best part of my game today. I stayed focused and patient,” Winslow said, walking off the eighteenth green. He is looking forward to the final round tomorrow. 

Ben Hadden made a remarkable leap from 10th to 3rd place after his second round. His bogey-free back nine, coupled with four birdies, propelled him to a 67 (-3) score, securing him a solo third place. Hadden’s performance is a testament to his skill and determination, and he’s definitely one to watch in the final round. 

Jackson Froth and Davis Cooper are tied for fourth at even par. They are still in excellent standing to earn the title of best golfer in Kansas City. 

Will King scored a 66 (-4), the best round of the day. 

The final round of the Challenge will begin at 8:00 a.m. Saturday. Tom Watson will attend the award ceremony following the round.

Pairings, Live Scoring, and Results can be found here >>