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Spencer Adds Third Watson Challenge Victory

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A beautiful, warm Championship Saturday and the Watson Challenge has a new (repeat) Champion.

The 14th Watson Challenge began at The National Golf Course of Kansas City on Thursday, June 3rd. After COVID-19 cancelled the 2020 Watson Challenge, excitement buzzed on the first day of competition in almost two years. 48 players teed off Thursday morning in prime, warm conditions.

The star of round one was Michael Letzig, Parkville, MO, with a four-under round of 68 that featured five birdies and one bogey on the day. Letzig had the best round of the day by two strokes, with only six players shooting under par with The National showing its teeth early in the competition.

Scoring for round two seemed a little better across the board and saw seven players card an under par round. Of those included two-time Watson Challenge Champion, Andy Spencer. Spencer had a fantastic day, carding a seven-under round of 65, highlighted by five birdies and an eagle on the Par-5, 15th hole to move up the leaderboard to first with a two-day total of 135 (-9).

Charlie Hillier, Overland Park, KS, also had a great day that moved him up the leaderboard after firing a six-under round of 66. A lone bogey, five birdies, and an eagle moved Charlie up to a two-under, two-day total. Letzig fought through a rollercoaster round to card a one-under 71 and sit close behind Spencer in second place heading in to the final round.

Championship Saturday began on a warm, sunny day with the final pairing of Spencer (-9), Letzig (-5), and Ryan Argotsinger (-3). Letzig got out to a quick start with two birdies in a row to start his round and cut the lead by one. Spencer had an up and down first 5 holes with two birdies and two bogeys and made the turn at even par and Letzig turning at one-under. Both players held steady to start the back 9 with two pars and matched each other with a birdie on the 12th hole.

Spencer added to his lead with a birdie on the Par-3, 14th hole, but gave it right back with a bogey on 15. Letzig continued to battle and put pressure on Spencer, but with smart play Spencer would par the 16th and 17th hole, heading to 18 tee with a three shot lead. Playing it safe off the tee, Spencer found himself in the fairway and chose to lay up with his second shot on the Par-5, 18th hole. Letzig hit a great third shot about 15 feet from the hole for a birdie chance. Spencer was just off the green with his third shot and chipped to about 8 feet for par. Letzig would convert on his birdie putt to get in the clubhouse at three-under for the day, and tournament total of 208 (-8).

Spencer was just too good, and after converting his par putt let out a victory yell in excitement, claiming his third Watson Challenge victory. This marks three wins in the last five years for Spencer, who recently turned professional after graduating from Kansas University (2017, 2018, 2021).

Tournament host Tom Watson finished tied for 19th after carding his best round of the tournament on Saturday with a two-over, 74, to finish with a three-day total of 227 (+11). Robert Russell had the round of the day with a four-under, 68, that pushed him up the leaderboard to finish 4th overall (212, -4). Charlie Hillier followed up his great second round score with another great round of three-under, 69, that gave him solo third place (211, -5).

After not having this event in 2020, the 2021 Watson Challenge did not disappoint. Thank you to The National Golf Course of Kansas City for hosting and giving up their golf course for three days. The course was in great shape and we are grateful to all those who helped to make this event happen.

Full field of results, see here.

Coughlin & Mickelson Take Home KC Junior Titles

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The KC Junior Championship kicked off on Wednesday, May 26th at Hillcrest Golf Course in east Kansas City. With the sun finally out, kids took their positions on their respective holes for the 3:30 p.m. shotgun start. Throughout the day there were several lead changes in both the girl’s and boy’s division. Ultimately, with a score +6 over par, Averi Mickelson lead the girl’s division after day one, carding four birdies on her round. Just three strokes behind Averi were Maya McVey and Sam Maceli. Over in the boy’s division, Liam Coughlin was the clubhouse leader at the end of the day with a score of –5 (67) that featured seven birdies on his card. Trailing right behind Liam was Ian McCray who shot a four-under, 68, after carding five birdies and an eagle. 

Unfortunately, the 36-hole Championship was shortened after Round Two was cancelled due to lightning/storms in the area. The event’s results after the first 18 holes is now final. Congratulations to Liam Coughlin on his win and now Watson Challenge qualifier, as well as Averi Mickelson on her title and now Prairie Invitational qualifier.

Thanks to Hillcrest Golf Course for hosting one of our biggest junior events of the summer. We hope to see everyone back again next year hopefully with a more normal school year schedule and no rain!

For results see here >>

For full photo album see here >>

West Reigns Superior at the Kanza Players Cup

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Day 1 of the Kanza Cup in Lawrence, Kansas kicked off yesterday, May 19th, 2021. Teams East and West, divided by U.S. highway 75, were eager to begin their matches while barely being allowed to by mother nature. Each team consists of the top 8 players from the 2020 Central Links Golf Kansas Mid-Amateur Player of the Year list, along with the players who were invited to play in the 2020 Kanza Cup to avenge the loss of the same event just a year ago due to weather conditions. Team East hosted the Kanza Players Cup at the Jayhawk Club. 

To start off the event, the Four-Ball matches began at 8 o’clock. The matches were tied after Four-Ball play ended. Following the Four-Ball play were the Alternate Shot matches that were scheduled to begin at approximately 2 o’clock. Before the teams were able to complete their Alternate Shot matches, mother nature forced them off the course as rain began to fall at the Jayhawk club. Team East player, Conrad Roberts, gave insight as to what it was like playing in such conditions, “the ball comes off a lot straighter because the water takes off a lot of spin, so it is actually easier to play in these conditions because you cannot hook or slice the ball as easily.” 

Day 2, on May 20th, consisted of only singles matches in the morning. Due to the rainfall overnight, three holes of the Jayhawk club were deemed unplayable making day two consist of only 15 holes instead of the regulation 18. With the sun hidden behind the impending rain clouds the following morning, players teed off. Ultimately the West team came out on top, for the first time in five years, with the scores being 12.50 to 9.50 in total. The West team captain, Andrew King said, “it’s been five years, […] so that was the biggest motivation for us. It is also nice to go on the road, to an East held event, and get a win.”  

Results >> 

Ederer, Greene, and Gutgesell Claim Spot in Watson Challenge Field

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The Watson Challenge field is comprised of the best 48 golfers from the Kansas City Area. Those exempt into the field are the top 18 on The Midwest PGA Rankings, top 16 on The Central Links Amateur List, top 5 from the 2019 Watson Challenge, Watson Challenge winners from the previous 5 years, the host course club champion as well as club pro. The rest of the field is comprised of special exemptions and qualifiers.

On May 17 at Falcon Ridge Golf Club, 41 players competed in the Watson Challenge Qualifier for a chance to compete in the Watson Challenge the first week of June. Falcon Ridge Golf Course played extra-long due to heavy rains the day prior.

The 41 players at Falcon Ridge were qualifying for three spots and two alternates. Clay Ederer got off to a hot start birding 4 of the first 7 holes and taking the early lead. He would face some adversity on the back nine but would finish with a 71(-1). 71 was good enough to qualify for one of the three spots. Daniel Gutgesell came into 17th hole one over par; however, he would turn it on and birdie the last two. Gutgesell finished his round one under to claim the second of the three spots.

To claim the last spot, a playoff was contested between Dustin Nichols, Michael Greene, Cade Uhlenhake who shot 72(E). Michael Greene claimed the third and final qualifying spot with a 20 foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole. Cade Uhlenhake had to take a penalty stroke for a lost ball and lost the third playoff hole with a bogey to Dustin Nichols. Nichols is first alternate and Uhlenhake second alternate.

The Watson Challenge will be held June 4th thru June 6th at the National Golf Club. Clay Ederer, Daniel Gutgesell, and Michael Greene claimed their spot in the field and if they are unable to compete, then first alternate Dustin Nichols will fill their shoes. If Dustin Nichols is unable to compete, Cade Uhlenhake will fill their shoes. 

Honoring Outstanding | Women in the Golf Hall of Fame

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In honor of Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight the women in Kansas City & Kansas who have made an impact on the game of golf.

Kansas City Golf Hall of Fame

Since its establishment in 2012, the centennial year of the KCGA, The Kansas City Golf Hall of Fame has recognized outstanding women who have contributed to the success of the game in the Kansas City region. Each of these Hall of Famers distinguished themselves on, and off, the course.

Here is a brief summary of the accomplishments of these exceptional women:

Miriam Burns (Horn) Tyson began playing golf at an early age under the tutelage of Milburn Head Professional Harry Robb, Sr. She won seven KC Women’s Match Play championships, the Trans-Mississippi, and two Women’s Western Amateurs. However, none of those feats compare to her 1927 victory in the United States Women’s Amateur. She retired from competitive golf at the age of 26, in 1930. Ms. Tyson was a 2013 inductee into the Hall of Fame.

Opal Hill took up the game rather late in life after her doctors advised her to get more fresh air and exercise. She practiced her new-found passion relentlessly and went on to win four Trans-Miss titles, three Women’s Western Amateurs, the North & South, three Missouri Women’s Ams, and two Western Women’s Opens. On the local scene, she captured fourteen Kansas City championships. She became just the third woman to turn professional and was one of the founding members of the LPGA.

Karen (Schull) MacGee graduated from Kansas City’s Southwest High School in 1961 and was already an accomplished player in local events under the guidance of Blue Hills Pro Leland “Duke” Gibson (Hall of Fame 2013). Between 1960 and 1980 she won seven Missouri Women’s Amateurs, five Kansas Women’s Amateurs, and seven Kansas City Match Play Championships. She joined the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Marian Gault lead the Kansas City Golf Association’s Junior Girl’s program for thirteen years, recruiting young players and encouraging them to play the game she loved. She won the Missouri Women’s Amateur in 1952 and ’55 and was runner-up four other times. She won the Kansas City Women’s Match Play six times, was runner-up in three other appearances, and was a qualifying medalist eight times. Gault was recognized as the area’s top woman player in 1948, ’52, ’54, and ’55 and was the first recipient of the Missouri Women’s Golf Association’s Bernice Edlund Award for outstanding conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

Jean Pepper dominated the women’s game in this area between 1934 and 1942. She won the Women’s Match Play Championship in 1934, ’36 and ’37 then won three-in-a-row from 1939 – ’41. Her losses in those years were to fellow Hall of Famers Opal Hill (1938) and Marian Gault (1942). She had bested Gault in the 1941 final.  In the Missouri Women’s Amateur, she captured medalist honors in 1939 and ’40 on her way to three consecutive titles from ’39 to ’41. She joined the Hall of Fame in the class of 2018.

Maxine Johnson virtually “owned” the game in and around Kansas City in the period following the Second World War. In the 1950, ’51, and ’52 Women’s Match Play Championships she was runner-up to Marian Gault, but she went on to capture seven titles between 1953 and 1962. She won the Missouri Women’s Amateur in 1951 and was runner-up in 1956 and defeated Hall of Famer Karen (Schull) MacGee for the 1957 title. Playing against the stars of the LPGA in the KC Women’s Open, she was low amateur in 1956 and never finished worse than T-5 (amateur) in the six years in which she competed.

Mary Jane Barnes was the first woman to lead the Kansas City Golf Association as president (2001 – 2003) and her tenure marked a significant turning point for the organization. Under her leadership, the KCGA hired its first full-time Executive Director, expanded tournament opportunities for local players, and increased services to member clubs. Ms. Barnes qualified for three USGA Championships and was the Women’s Club Champion at Kansas City Country Club an unprecedented eighteen times. She served on the USGA’s Women’s Mid-Amateur Committee for 25 years and received the prestigious Ike Granger Award in 2014.

These outstanding Kansas Citians are representative of the many great (and near-great) players who have graced the fairways of the golf courses in our region. The Board of Directors of Central Links Golf is committed to recognizing the accomplishments of all the people, male and female, who continue to distinguish themselves through their accomplishments in the game we all love.

“The goal of the Hall of Fame is to preserve our past and honor the accomplishments of those who made golf in this area great,” said Greg Dunn, president of Central Links Golf. “Our classes of inductees have included amateurs, professionals, men and women, contemporary as well as historic figures, pioneers, golf administrators, superintendents, and teachers. We are very proud that our Hall of Fame is all-inclusive and has recognized the greatest of those who have contributed so much to the enjoyment of our game.”

Kansas Golf Hall of Fame

A number of outstanding women have been inducted into the Kansas Golf Hall of Fame since its founding in 1991. Several professionals, a number of amateurs, and two who were recognized for their contributions to the game. What follows is a brief summary of the accomplishments and contributions of these individuals.

Deb Richard is one of only three Kansas women to have won a USGA Championship as the winner of the 1984 US Women’s Amateur. From 1979 to ’84 she was tough to beat on the local scene having won the Kansas Junior Girls (1979) the State High School Championship (1979, ’80, and “81), and the Kansas Women’s Amateur (1982 and ’83). At the University of Florida, she won seven tournaments, three SEC Championships, and was All-American from 1983-’85.  She won five times on the LPGA Tour before retiring in 2005. She was enshrined into the Kansas Hall of Fame in 2006.

Marge Page joined the Kansas Hall of Fame in 2004 as a Contributor to the Game. She organized the Wichita Junior Golf Foundation in 1973 to give low-income children the opportunity to learn the game of golf. Ms. Page donated or raised money to pay for green fees, lessons, and equipment for the 10-17-year-old golfers and arranged for them to take lessons at public courses during the summer. Decades later, the WJGF continues to serve hundreds of young golfers each year.

Nadine Harrison served as President and Vice President of the Wichita Women’s City Golf Association as well as the President of the Women’s Trans-Mississippi Golf Association. She was appointed to the prestigious Women’s Committee of the USGA and was a rules official at the US Women’s Open and the Curtis Cup. In 1958 she received the Mike Murra Achievement Award recognizing her work with junior golf and promoting golf to the public in Wichita. Ms. Harrison joined the Kansas Hall of Fame in 1994.

Natasha Fife was a five-time Kansas Women’s Amateur Champion and seven-time Senior Amateur Champion along with her seven Wichita Women’s Amateurs and three Broadmoor Amateur titles. She received a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Wichita State and was named women’s athletic director there, a position she held for thirteen years. The Natasha Fife Women’s Golf scholarship, awarded to members of the WSU women’s golf team honors her dedication to the game and efforts to influence the participation of countless others. She entered the Hall of Fame in 1993.

Jean Ashley Crawford was the dominant force on the amateur golf scene in Kansas from the early 1950s to the mid-’60’s. During that time she finished in the top four in the Kansas Women’s Amateur Championship seven times, was a member of three US Curtis Cup teams (1962, ’64, and ’66) and in 1965 she defeated Anne Quast (5&4) to win the USGA Women’s Amateur Championship. Ms. Crawford was also runner-up in the national amateur on two other occasions (1960 and 1967). She served as non-playing Captain of the Curtis Cup and was on the USGA Women’s Committee. She joined the Hall of Fame in 1992.

Judy Bell accomplished more than perhaps any other woman in advancing the game of golf. Space does not allow a full accounting of her accomplishments, suffice to say, she has been inducted into six different Halls of Fame (including the World Golf HoF); received the Bob Jones Award from the USGA in 2016; was the first woman to serve as President of the USGA; competed in 38 USGA championships; won three KWGA Amateurs (the first at age 15); played on the Curtis Cup teams of 1960 and ’62; Captained the Curtis Cup teams of 1986 and ’88; the USGA Women’s State Team Championship trophy was named in her honor. She joined the Kansas Golf HoF in 1991.

Marilyn Smith holds a place of high honor among Kansas golfers, having won three consecutive Kansas Women’s Amateurs (1946-’48) and the Intercollegiate Golf Championship while playing for the University of Kansas. Smith was one of the 13 founding members of the LPGA and, as a professional, won twenty-two times including two major championships.  Ms. Smith served as president of the LPGA from 1958-’60, during which time she established the LPGA division for teaching and club professionals. After her playing career ended, she turned to teaching. She was inducted into the Kansas Golf Hall of Fame in 1991 and the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006.

Trailblazers, pioneers, volunteers, accomplished players, and contributors who made the game of golf what it has become today. These outstanding women are representative of so many people who give of themselves to advance the standards we come to expect of ourselves and our fellow players. These Hall of Fame honorees are the “tip of the iceberg” when discussing the state of the game and its rich history in the state of Kansas. Others whose names we may not yet recognize will surely follow their example and etch their names on the trophies and plaques that commemorate the champions of tournaments made possible through Central Links Golf and its member clubs.

Standing on the shoulders of these giants, the future looks very bright, indeed.

Written by Don Kuehn, Chair
Kansas City Golf Hall of Fame Committee

Salina CC Wins 2020 Kansas Cup

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Results
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Salina Country Club claimed their fifth Kansas Cup title on Sunday after defeating Great Life-Salina by a 5 to 3 margin in the championship match at Manhattan Country Club.

Warm fall temperatures and extreme winds with gusts exceeding 40 mph greeted players and made for challenging conditions.

The overall match was back and forth early with each club claiming an alternate shot match point and a singles match point.

Randy Syring and Ben Hadden took the Pro-Am Four-Ball match point for Salina CC to give them a 3 to 2 lead with three matches left on the course.

Both teams took a Net Four-Ball match point to give Salina CC a 4 to 3 lead with only the Open/Senior Mixed Scratch Four-Ball match remaining.

In the final match with Salina CC maintaining a 1 up lead with two holes to play, Salina CC’s Coleman Houk, the men’s golf coach at Kansas Wesleyan University, stuffed his tee shot on the par 3 17th hole to a couple feet for a tap in birdie to take the match point and secure the overall match victory for Salina Country Club.

Thank you to the 16 member clubs that participated in the COVID-19 modified Kansas Cup competition in 2020 and we look forward to seeing everyone in the 2021 Kansas Cup!






Champions Crowned at 32nd Senior Four-Ball Championship

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Two wonderful days of weather greeted the full field of teams for the playing of the 32nd Kansas Senior Four-Ball Championship at The Jayhawk Club in Lawrence on Wednesday and Thursday. Teams took advantage of ideal scoring conditions during the first multi-day championship played at the redesigned property that was formerly Alvamar Golf & Country Club.

In the Senior Division, defending champions Sid McKnight & Andy Emerson successfully defended their title following a final round 9-under par 62. McKnight/Emerson finished the 36-hole championship at 15-under par 127 total which was good for a five shot victory. 2018 Senior Four-Ball Champions Matt Murray & David Rismiller took second and team of Chris Hutchens & Dane Ogden took third.

In the Super Senior Division, veteran golfers Tom Bachelor and Don Kuehn bested the field by one shot after finishing at 11-under par 131 total which included a final round 5-under par 66. The win was the second of the year for Bachelor who teamed up to win the Senior Team Championship last month at Falcon Lakes Golf Club. The win gave Kuehn his fifth Senior Four-Ball Championship title with five different partners.

Thank you to the teams, Central Links Golf rules volunteers and the membership & staff at The Jayhawk Club.

We look forward to the 2021 Senior Four-Ball Championship at Topeka Country Club!

Staley Farms wins Women’s KC Cup

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A thrilling season of the Women’s KC Cup concluded today at Lakewood Oaks Country Club with Staley Farms Golf Club winning this year’s Cup.

Staley Farms defeated The Deuce with a final result of 2-1.

The first match, the Low Handicap match, was won by Staley Farms with a result of 2&1.

The second match, the Mid Handicap match, was won by The Deuce with a result of 2UP.

The third match, the High Handicap match, was won by Staley Farms with a result of 2&1.

This is Staley Farms 4th Women’s KC Cup victory in 5 years – quite an impressive feat!

Thank you to Lakewood Oaks Country Club for hosting the Championship matches today and thank you to all of the clubs who participated in this year’s Women’s KC Cup!

You can check out the results here: https://centrallinksgolf.org/competitions/womens-kc-cup/

Thayer, Emerson Win Senior Series Titles

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Senior Cup Teams

The 2020 Senior Series program wrapped up on Tuesday with two wonderful days of weather at Firekeeper Golf Course.

Garden City’s Sean Thayer – Senior Champion

Garden City’s Sean Thayer continued his stellar play this year with another victory in the Senior Division. Thayer posted a final round 4-under par 68 to finish at 5-under par 139 total. Wichita’s Tracy Chamberlin took second at 2-under par 142 total. John Bailey, Michael Rack, Sam Walker and David Oetken rounded out the top five.

The 2020 Ozark Senior Challenge cup team was named following the Senior Series Championship. The Ozark Senior Challenge is an annual Ryder Cup style team event against the Missouri Golf Association for players age 50 to 64. The 2020 competition will be held at Twin Hills Golf & Country Club in Joplin, MO on October 13-15. Click the link above to see the gross and net qualifiers and the captain picks.

In the Super Senior Division, Baldwin City’s John Emerson claimed his first tournament title. Emerson’s final round 3-under par 69 elevated him to the top after finishing at 1-under par 143 total. Basehor’s Sam VanLandingham finished two shots back. Doug Kaup, Joe Rothwell and Tom Nielsen all tied for third place.

Baldwin City’s John Emerson – Super Senior Champion

The 2020 Association Senior Cup team was named for the Super Senior Division following the Senior Series Championship as well. The Association Senior Cup is an annual Ryder Cup style team event against the Missouri Golf Association for players age 65 & older. The 2020 competition will be held at Twin Hills Golf & Country Club in Joplin, MO on October 13-15. Click the link above to see the gross and net qualifiers and the captain picks.

Champions Crowned at Mid-Am Team/Sr Team Championships

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A full field of teams battled tough playing conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday at the 2020 Mid-Am Team & Senior Team Championships at Falcon Lakes Golf Club in Basehor.  Warm summer conditions gave way to cold, overcast and damp conditions during opening day of the championship and persisted until the final putt was holed at the 54-hole event.

In the Mid-Am Team, Overland Park’s Park Ulrich and Leawood’s Doug Albers teamed up for the first time and put together a dominating performance of the rest of the field of teams.  Ulrich and Albers finished at 18-under par which was good for a nine shot victory over the teams of Matt Kelley/Jordan Smith and Pete Krsnich/Tyler Chapman. 

It was the third championship of the 2020 season for Ulrich who captured the 110th Kansas Amateur in July and the Heart of America Four-Ball last week with partner Davis Cooper.  It was the second time that Albers has won the Mid-Am Team.  He won the 2010 event with partner Jason Seeman.

In the Senior Team Championship, the Wichita duo of Tracy Chamberlin & Michael Holloway edged Brian Burris & Randy Vautravers by one shot.  Chamberlin/Holloway finished at 10-under par 206 for the 54-hole championship. 

In the Super Senior Division, past champions Tom Bachelor & Gary Roles partnered up for an eight shot win.  Bachelor/Roles finished at 14-under par 202 total.  Greg Goode & Don Kuehn finished in second at 6-under par 210.

Thank you to the membership and staff at Falcon Lakes Golf Club for hosting the rescheduled 2020 championship.  We look forward to seeing everyone in Wichita in May 2021 for the Mid-Am Team & Senior Team Championship!