Seven states were represented over 17 teams in the Mens’ Competition at the 4th annual Interstate Championship, contested on the Old Kinderhook course in Camdenton, Mo. over Nov. 4-6. Two states were represented over three teams in the Ladies Division.
The mens teams included: Baird/Murphy (Illinois); Ausen/Hudelson; Overton’Piffer; Reed/Gay (Iowa); Hart/Herbert (Kansas); D & J Gamet; Herrington/Smeltzer; McCubbin/Uberroth; M & R Marquart; Reynolds/Skola (Missouri); Austin/Shanahan; Luester/Baylor (Nebraska); Howington/Strasko (Ohio); and D & M Heller (Wisconsin.
For the ladies: Debs Herrington/Sherry Smeltzer; Lurlene Hudelson/Cindy Skola (Missouri); and Joyce Luester/Chris Shanahan (Nebraska).
Friday and Saturday both started cool and overcast, but soon developed into warm sunny days ideal for golf, and the favourable conditions resulted in some impressive scoring in both the two ball and alternate shot Stableford formats for the Men, and Scramble both days for the Ladies.
State Winners in the Men’s Division:
1: Overton/Piffer for Iowa – 83 pts;
2. Baird/Murphy for Illinois – 79 pts
3. D & J Gamet for Missouri – 78 pts
Ladies’ State Winners were:
Lurlene & Cindy for Missouri – 175
Debs & Sherry – 205
Joyce & Chris – 217
The Hickory Golf Association kindly provided Tee Markers (with Bill and John ensuring sympathetic tee placements), and also contributed official HGA inscribed prizes for the winners and runners-up in both xivisions. Fred Smeltzer presented splendid long nose replica putters made by him to the four winners, and Sherry presented embroidered hats and towels to runners-up and third place teams.
As always, the social side of the tournament took pride of place, with Thursday night Single Malt Scottish Reception at the Smeltzer home. Participants who were staying on the property all dined together on Friday and Saturday, joined by no less than six non-playing spouses who, it is reported, enjoyed the other attractions of the region as much as we enjoyed the golf!