Stars and Stripes: Palmetto Classic

Red, white and blue were the colors of the day….actually, two days on April 16-17….as the Palmetto Classic Tournament honored our military.  Even if you couldn’t be proud of your practice round the day before, you were sure to be proud of our America as the Benton High School Air Force ROTC presented the colors, followed by the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.  It was a moving experience and the first time this writer has witnessed this at a golf tournament.

As an added treat, Airman Rick Moody from Barksdale remained on the 18^th hole all day and tended the flag for all the players.  We certainly appreciate his service….both on the green and for our country!

Another benefit derived from this tournament was a donation to the Veterans Safe Haven, a shelter for homeless women veterans, through the Volunteers of America of North Louisiana.  Thanks for buying those extra shots on Hole #14 and the mulligans!!!

Day one of the 2-lady tournament was best ball, followed the final day with a scramble.  After the first day’s play, 74 was the low score of the day and was shot by TWO teams in the first flight:  Elaine Flanagan/Vicki DeLaughter (Texarkana) and Pat Park/Darlene Collins (Rayburn Country)

Ironically, both of those teams shot the SAME score again the second day…another 74!  When the 148 scorecard playoff was completed, Collins and Park won first gross while Flanagan and DeLaughter won second gross.

Low net the first day was a very nice 58 by Kim Darnell and Marilyn Helmbeck, followed by Donna Cobb and Martha Lawhorne with a great 59.  After day two, Donna and Martha tied with Mary Jo Gray and Debbie Magee for overall low net with matching 133’s.

The weather was a bit nippy at times, but was otherwise beautiful golfing conditions.  The tournament committee, course staff, and sponsors once again put on a great tournament with a full field and large waiting list.

Complete list of winners:

FIRST FLIGHT

1^st Gross: Pat Park/Darlene Collins 148
1^st Net: Debbie Magee/Mary Jo Gray 133
2^nd Gross: Vicki DeLaughter/Elaine Flanagan 148
2^nd Net: Rosemary Patterson/Elie Woods  135

SECOND FLIGHT

1^st Gross: Kathryn Salpietra/Moise Allen 158
1^st Net: Cathy Morgan/Marge Snyder  138
2^nd Gross: Eliza Robinson/Rhonda Helms 163
2^nd Net: Carole Smith/Bobby Mayo 142

THIRD FLIGHT

1^st Gross: Martha Lawhorne/Donna Cobb 153
1^st Net: Mary Moore/Mary Gallagher 140
2^nd Gross: Linda Heins/Gloria Utley 162
2^nd Net: Linda Colvin/Jill Litton 142

FOURTH FLIGHT

1^st Gross: Bobbie Almond/Theresa Kruse 177
1^st Net: Gayla Coleman/Sheila Brockman 149
2^nd Gross: Alyce Wyche/Rita Hawkins 177
2^nd Net: Phyllis Ryan/Susan Wright  153

CLOSET TO THE PIN

Marge Snyder #3
Debbie Sheppard #7
Cheryl Smith #14
Rita Hawkins #17

STRAIGHTEST DRIVE

Jackie Wayson