Category: Women’s Golf

2027 Prairie Invitational to be held at The Club at Porto Cima

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Central Links Golf, in partnership with the Missouri Golf Association, is excited to announce that the 2027 Prairie Invitational will be held at The Club at Porto Cima in Sunrise Beach, Missouri, July 19-21.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Lake of the Ozarks, Porto Cima will provide a premier championship setting for one of the region’s top female amateur golf events. The 2027 Prairie Invitational will continue to bring together talented players from across the region for three days of competitive golf and an unforgettable experience.

More details, including registration information and additional event announcements, will be released in the coming months.

History Made at the Kansas Women’s and Men’s Amateur Championships

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Meg Tilma added another chapter to one of Kansas golf’s most accomplished family stories this week, claiming the 2026 Kansas Women’s Amateur Championship at Wichita Country Club. The victory not only marked a milestone in Tilma’s career, but also cemented the Tilma family’s place in Kansas golf history.

For the Tilma family, however, the triumph represents far more than another trophy. Meg follows in the footsteps of her mother, Cathy (Stevens) Tilma, four-time champion of the Kansas Women’s Amateur, and older sister, Kate Tilma, who captured the Kansas Women’s Amateur title in 2020 while simultaneously winning the Kansas Junior Amateur that same summer. Kate’s victory established the family among Kansas golf’s elite, and Meg’s championship now strengthens that legacy for another generation.

Additionally, Cathy’s brother, Charlie Stevens, won the Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship in 2010. Cathy and Charlie’s father, Johnny Stevens, won the Amateur in 1960 and 1961. Johnny’s brother, Jack Stevens, won the Amateur in 1974. And to cap it off, Charlie’s son, Sam Stevens, won the Amateur in 2015.

In summary, the Stevens/Tilma golf history runs deep. Will we ever see another dynasty like this one?

At just 15 years old, Kaden Leivian has etched his name into Kansas golf history. The Wichita native captured the 2026 Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship at Mission Hills Country Club, becoming the youngest champion ever to win one of the state’s most prestigious titles. Leivian’s remarkable run through the bracket capped off a week that showcased both his immense talent and composure beyond his years.

Leivian’s triumph is a testament to the bright future of golf in Kansas. Competing against the state’s top amateur players, the Bishop Carroll standout displayed the confidence, patience, and shot-making ability of a seasoned veteran while still only entering his sophomore year of high school.

As the newest name engraved on the Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship trophy, Kaden Leivian has already secured his place in state golf history. At just 15 years old, however, his record-setting victory at Mission Hills may only be the beginning of what appears to be an extraordinary career.

Celebrating Excellence: Central Links Golf Announces the 2025 Players of the Year

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Each season brings its own storylines—breakthrough moments, clutch performances, and the kind of competitive spirit that defines the culture of Central Links Golf. As we close the 2025 tournament season, we proudly recognize the players whose consistency, composure, and commitment elevated them to the next level.

Today, we celebrate our 2025 Players of the Year across Men’s, Women’s, and Junior divisions—individuals whose accomplishments reflect not only personal excellence but the strength and tradition of the game in our region.

Men’s Player of the Year – Will King

The senior at the University of Kansas broke through with a statement victory at the 115th Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship after finishing as the runner-up in 2024. King’s win earned him an exemption into the U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club. Earlier in the summer, King was in contention at The Watson Challenge, where he ultimately finished solo fourth at six-under par.

Women’s Player of the Year – Lyla Louderbaugh

The University of Kansas junior repeated her Women’s Player of the Year honor after receiving the award in 2024. Louderbaugh produced an impressive tournament season. After posting scores of 66–63–70 at Mission Hills Country Club, which also set a new women’s course record in the club’s 100-plus-year history, Lyla walked away with the Kansas Women’s Amateur Championship, earning her an exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bandon Dunes. While at Bandon Dunes, Louderbaugh made a historic run in match play, advancing to the semifinals.

Junior Players of the Year

The future of golf has rarely looked brighter than it does in 2025. Our junior divisions showcased extraordinary skill and maturity, and this year’s honorees demonstrated talent well beyond their age.

Junior Boys Player of the Year – Stuart Boulware

Boulware posted an impressive tournament season. After qualifying for The Watson Challenge, Stuart went on to qualify for the U.S. Junior Amateur at Trinity Forest in Dallas, Texas, where he advanced to the Round of 32 in match play after finishing T-3 in stroke-play qualifying.

Additionally, Boulware finished solo fourth at the Kansas Junior Amateur Championship at Mariah Hills. The University of Oklahoma commit is in his junior year at Shawnee Mission East.

Junior Girls Player of the Year – Lynn Powell

Lynn Powell distinguished herself with a season defined by consistency and clutch play. She excelled across different formats and events, showcasing both versatility and confidence. Powell’s season included appearances at the Kansas Junior Amateur Championship, The Prairie Invitational, and a victory at the Junior Match Play Championship.

A Season Worth Celebrating

The Central Links Golf Players of the Year awards are more than accolades. They represent months of dedication, late-round resilience, and the pursuit of excellence that defines the competitive spirit of golf.

To our 2025 honorees: congratulations. You exemplify the best of Central Links Golf, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements.

Below is the full list of 2025 honorees:

Kansas & Kansas City Men’s Player of the Year – Will King

Kansas City Men’s Mid-Amateur – Ben Pearson

Kansas Men’s Mid-Amateur – Brian Fehr

Kansas & Kansas City Men’s Senior – Ben Kimminau

Kansas City Super Senior – Bryan Norton

Kansas City Senior Legends – Sam VanLandingham

Kansas Super Senior – Tracy Chamberlin

Kansas Senior Legends – Daniel Lindberg

Boys Junior – Stuart Boulware

Girls Junior – Lynn Powell

Women’s Player of the Year – Lyla Louderbaugh

Women’s Mid-Am – Katy Winters

Women’s Senior – Martha Linscott

Women’s Super Senior – Denise Desilet

Women’s Legends – Denise Desilet

Inaugural Midwest Adaptive Open set for September 2025

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Central Links Golf, in partnership with other Central Region Golf Associations, is excited to announce the Midwest Adaptive Open to be held September 10-11, 2025. This new Championship will be played at Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kansas, home of the 3rd U.S. Adaptive Open Championship, hosted by the USGA in the summer of 2024. The Midwest Adaptive Open will be open to golfers of various classifications of impairments, such as individuals with arm and leg impairments, amputations, blind golfers and those with neurological and intellectual impairments.

The Central Links Golf community experienced first-hand how inspiring Adaptive Golf is with the U.S. Adaptive Open last summer. Central Links Golf staff and volunteers were able to be on site in various capacities leading up to the Championship and during the event. The USGA provided a great blueprint from which to work and internal discussions of hosting a Midwest Adaptive Open began after the conclusion of the U.S. Adaptive Open. We are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Georgia State Golf Association, Arizona Golf Association, Golf Association of Philadelphia, Iowa Golf Association and others in providing playing opportunities for all demographics and playing abilities. Central Links Golf is partnering with staff representatives from many of the Central Region Golf Associations to develop an Adaptive Championship for golfers in our local community and all over the country.

“Sand Creek Station hosted a great US Adaptive Open in 2024. The players enjoyed it and the golf course staff and volunteers went above and beyond for the competition. We thought it made sense to continue to partner with Sand Creek Station to provide a competitive opportunity for the adaptive golf community on a yearly basis,” Doug Habel, CLG Executive Director said. “We’re excited to work with our Allied Golf Association Central Region partners to make this a championship that crosses state lines and includes as many players as possible. We think it will be a successful championship and a highlight of the national adaptive golf calendar for years to come.”

The Midwest Adaptive Open will consist of 36 holes of stroke play on September 10-11 with a practice round day hosted on September 9th. The field will be limited to the first 60 applicants and will be open to anyone from around the country to participate, not just Central Region members. Golfers with physical and intellectual impairments who have a handicap index of 36.4 or lower are eligible to compete in the championship. The Midwest Adaptive Open is open to male and female professional golfers and amateur golfers.

“We were honored to host the 3rd U.S. Adaptive Open in 2024 and are thrilled to continue championing adaptive golf by hosting the inaugural Midwest Adaptive Open in 2025,” Sand Creek Station General Manager Dustin Housh said. “We look forward to welcoming incredible athletes and fostering an inclusive environment for all golfers as we continue to support adaptive events in the future.”

As Central Links Golf and its partners prepare for the Midwest Adaptive Open over the coming months, there are many ways for the community to be involved:

Volunteering: Volunteer signups will be available May 1st. More details on how to get involved will be released closer to the championship, but live scorers, rules officials, ball spotters among other needs will be welcomed. To learn more, please contact Taylor Albritton at taylor@clgolf.org.

Partnerships: Central Links Golf and Sand Creek Station are seeking partnerships for the Midwest Adaptive Open. If you are interested in a partnership opportunity, please contact Taylor Albritton at taylor@clgolf.org.

Registration for the 2025 Midwest Adaptive Open will open March 24 at 9:00 a.m. The entry fee of $175 will cover competition rounds, a practice round, range and cart fees, food and refreshments, and prizes. An Overall Champion for men and women will be crowned as well as individual champions in each sports classification. More details and information will continue to be released in the coming weeks.

Midwest Adaptive Open Event Portal

2024 Players of the Year Announced

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Congratulations to our 2024 Players of the Year!

Junior Players of the Year

Rusty Hilst Boy’s Player of the Year: Tyler Strong

KS Junior Match Play Championship Runner-Up, Kansas City Amateur Championship Low Junior Finish, 5th place at Kansas Junior Amateur Championship, Made Match-Play at the Kansas Amateur Championship, Konza Prairie Amateur Low Junior, Member of the KS-NE Cup Team, Qualified for the First Round of the US Amateur, US Junior Amateur Qualifier, T9 at the KC Junior Championship, KJT Boys +16 T1 at Nicklaus Golf Club at Lionsgate. 

Girl’s Player of the Year: Hadley Neese

2024 Prairie Invitational Third Place and Low Junior, KC Junior Championship Runner-Up, KC Junior Match Play Runner-Up, Kansas Junior Amateur 4th place, Kansas Women’s Amateur 7th place, Girls Four State Team Member, 6A KSHSSA Girls State 9th place. 

Women’s Players of the Year


Women’s Player of the Year: Lyla Louderbaugh

Kansas Women’s Amateur Champion, CLG Women’s Match Play Champion, US Women’s Am Qualifying Medalist, US Women’s Amateur Match Play Qualifier. 

Women’s Mid-Amateur & Senior Player of the Year: Martha Linscott

Kansas Women’s Mid-Am Champion, US Women’s Mid-Am Qualifying Medalist, CLG Women’s Match Play Round of 16, Kansas Women’s Amateur 20th, US Senior Women’s Amateur Championship Match Play Qualifier. 

Women’s Super Senior & Legends Player of the Year: Denise Desilet

Kansas Women’s Senior Amateur Super Senior Champion, Spring Triple Threat T1, Fall Triple Threat Runner-Up.

Kansas Players of the Year

Kansas Men’s Player of the Year: Michael Winslow

114th Kansas Match Play Champion, US Amateur Championship Qualifying Exemption, KC Amateur Champion, 114th Stroke Play Qualifying T9, Kansas Amateur Qualifying Exemption.

Kansas Mid-Amateur Player of the Year: Zach VanDolah

KC Match Play Champion, Kansas Mid-Amateur Champion, 114th Kansas Amateur Match Play Round of 16, US Mid-Am Qualifying Medalist, KC Amateur (Mid-Am Finish) T2, 114th Kansas Amateur Stroke Play Qualifying (Mid-Am Finish) T3, Kansas Amateur Qualifying Exemption. 

Kansas Senior & Super Senior Player of the Year: Bryan Norton

USGA Senior Amateur Round of 32, US Senior Amateur Qualifying Medalist, Kansas Senior Amateur Third Place. 

Kansas Legends Player of the Year: Joe Rothwell

The Railer Senior T3, Kansas Senior Amateur (Super Senior) 4th, Association Senior Cup Winning Team, Senior Series Championship Runner-Up, Legends of Kansas Runner-up, Senior Team Championship 4th Place, Senior Four-Ball (Super Senior) T4, 6 Senior Series Wins.

Kansas City Players of the Year

Kansas City Men’s Amateur: Michael Winslow

Kansas Amateur Match Play Champion, KC Amateur Champion, Missouri Amateur Championship Semifinalist, T7 at the Watson Challenge

Kansas City Mid-Amateur Player of the Year: Zach VanDolah

KC Match Play Champion, US Mid-Am Qualifying Medalist, US Four-Ball Qualifying Medalist, Kansas Mid-Amateur Champion, 114th Kansas Amateur Match Play Round of 16, T10 at The Watson Challenge, Missouri Amateur Championship Round of 32, Missouri Mid-Amatuer T5th.

Kansas City Senior & Super Senior Player of the Year: Bryan Norton

US Senior Amateur Qualifying Medalist, USGA Senior Amateur Round of 32, Kansas Senior Amateur Third Place, FWA Tour Champion at Tiffany Greens,  T31 at The Watson Challenge

Kansas City Legends Player of the Year: Don Kuehn

KC Amateur Legends Division Champion, Won 3 FWA Tour Events, T3 at FWA Tour Event at Praire Highlands

All points list can be found here >>

Misemer Wins Her Second Prairie Invitational Championship

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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 >>

Louderbaugh Wins Kansas Women’s Amateur

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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

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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 >>

2023 Players of the Year Announced

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Congratulations to our 2023 Players of the Year!

Junior Players of the Year

Rusty Hilst Boys Player of the Year: Tyler Strong

T15 finish at the Optimist Qualifier, 10th place finish at the Railer Stroke Play Championship, 6th place at the Junior Boys Four-Ball Championship, Low Junior at the KC Amateur, Member of the Mid-America Cup Team, Qualified for Match Play at the Kansas Amateur, T3 at the KC Junior Amateur, and won the Kansas Junior Amateur.

Girls Player of the Year: Emerie Schartz

Kansas Women’s Amateur Champion, Kansas Junior Amateur Champion, Qualified for the US Girls Junior Amateur and Junior PGA National Championship.

Women’s Players of the Year

Women’s Player of the Year: Hanna Robinett

Prairie Invitational Champion, Kansas Women’s Amateur Runner Up, 16th place at the CLG Women’s Match Play.

Women’s Mid-Amateur Player of the Year: Katy Winters

3rd place at the Kansas Women’s Mid-Amateur, 4th place at the Kansas Women’s Amateur, 3rd place at the Tee Fore Two, 17th place at the Prairie Invitational.

Women’s Senior & Super Senior Player of the Year: Denise Desilet

T2 at the Kansas Women’s Senior Amateur, Runner Up at the Tee Fore Two, Won Women’s Team Links Series at Auburn Hills, Won Fall Triple Threat.

Women’s Legends Player of the Year: Naoma Kilpatrick

Kansas Women’s Super Senior Amateur Champion, T2 at the Prairie Invitational Opal Hill Division.

Kansas Players of the Year

Kansas Men’s Player of the Year: Zach VanDolah

T12 at the Kansas Mid-Amateur, Runner Up at the Heart of America Four-Ball, Qualified for the US Mid-Amateur, Match Play Qualifier at the US Mid-Amateur Championship, Kansas City Amateur Champion, Quarterfinals at the Kansas Amateur.

Kansas Mid-Amateur Player of the Year: Nathaniel Spencer

T6 at the Kansas Mid-Amateur, Quarterfinals at the KC Match Play, Runner Up at the Railer (Mid-Am), T1 High Plains Amateur (Mid-Am), Round of 16 at the Kansas Amateur.

Kansas Senior & Super Senior Player of the Year: RJ Opliger

3rd place at the Kansas Mid-Amateur (Senior Division), 3rd place at the Kansas Senior Amateur (Super Senior), Runner Up at the KC Senior Match Play, Quarterfinals at the KC Match Play.

Kansas Legends Player of the Year: Joe Rothwell

Runner Up the Legends of Kansas Championship, 4th at the KC Amateur (Super Senior Divison), Senior Series Championship winner, Winning Team at the Association Senior Cup.

Kansas City Players of the Year

Kansas City Men’s & Mid-Amateur Player of the Year: Zach VanDolah

Runner Up at the Heart of America Four-Ball, Quarterfinals at the Kansas Amateur, Semifinals at the Missouri Amateur Match Play, KC Amateur Champion.

Kansas City Senior Player of the Year: Ed Brown

KC Senior Match Play Champion, KC Amateur Champion (Senior Division), Falcon Wealth Advisors Tour.

Kansas City Super Senior Player of the Year: RJ Opliger

Runner Up at the KC Senior Match Play, Quarterfinals at the KC Match Play, Runner Up at the KC Amateur (Super Senior).

Kansas City Legends Player of the Year: Don Kuehn

4th place at the KC Amateur (Super Senior/Legends), Falcon Wealth Advisors Tour Legends Division.

All points lists can be found here >>

Robinett Clinches Prairie Invitational Title

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The Prairie Invitational celebrated its 10th anniversary during the Championship on July 24-26 at Kansas City Country Club. The Invitational includes an Open Division that is 54 holes with a cut to the top 18 and ties after two rounds and an Opal Hill Division that includes two rounds and a handicap index between 5.1-15.0.

Open Division

The Open Division was led the first two rounds by 2022 Prairie Invitational Champion, Julia Misemer. Misemer had a one-shot lead over Hanna Robinett going into the final round. After a couple of hiccups from Misemer on holes 15 and 16, the door opened for Robinett. She birdied the 17th hole to have a one-shot lead over Misemer going into the 18th hole. On 18, Robinett hit her second shot to 30+ feet and Misemer had a good look at making birdie. With a crowd forming, Robinett made her putt and won the tournament.

“From an awkward lie in the fairway I had left myself a longer putt than I had anticipated, but it was one of those moments you can see the line so clearly. Every break the putt is going to make you can just feel it, like the ball has to go into the hole. I hit the putt and it’s tracking, looking better and better and it hits the flagstick and drops in. In that moment I threw my hands in the air and hugged my dad with tears in my eyes because it was a moment I had worked so hard for,” Robinett said.

Martha Linscott won Low Senior on Tuesday shooting 83-80 (+21). Maya McVey won Low Junior Shooting 74-73-74 (+8).

Opal Hill Division

After a rain delay on day one of the tournament, the Opal Hill Division was cut to just one round on Tuesday, July 25. Leading the Division was Kate Braden who fired a 77, winning by one shot. Terri Albers won Low Net shooting 78 (69).

Thank you to our tournament sponsors for supporting Women’s Golf in Kansas City.

For full tournament results click here >>