The West Plains Zizzers boys golf team has navigated a busy midseason schedule over the last few weeks, battling sloppy courses, cold winds and deep tournament fields while consistently posting strong team finishes.
Millwood/SPS Invitational
During a competitive mid-April stop in Springfield, the Zizzers turned in a strong performance at the Millwood/SPS (Springfield Public Schools) Invitational on April 13. Playing at Rivercut Golf Course, West Plains finished fourth in a tightly contested field, falling just a few strokes shy of a top-three finish.
West Plains Head Coach Brenton Bush praised his team's steady showing despite the elements.
“The thing that stood out to me was how they handled adversity,” Bush said. “The course was wet and sloppy from a previous rain, but the guys stayed locked in and all had a common goal – play their best round of golf so far.”
Looking ahead, Bush said practice will focus on the short game, where matches are often decided. “In my opinion, this is where players will make or break in big-time scenarios,” he added.
Bolivar and Willow Springs Invitationals
A week prior, West Plains took its swings on April 6, at the Bolivar Invitational at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club.
Ashby Wood led West Plains on the par-70 course with a 75, followed by Brooks Cobb at 79. Johnny Sutherland carded an 85, and Tayt Duggins finished at 91.
Bush pointed to Wood and Cobb as the tone-setters through the first half of the season. “They have been consistent shooters with a great attitude,” Bush said.
While the varsity squad competed in Bolivar, Bush sent his junior varsity group to the Willow Springs Invitational on April 7. Battling cold winds on the nine-hole Thomas F. Benyo Municipal Golf Course (played twice for a par 70), the JV group held its own against a varsity field.
Cale Combs led the group with an 86, followed closely by Luke Skeeters at 87. Drew Skeeters turned in a 93 and Brady Seager finished at 95.
“I am proud as a whole of how our JV played at Willow Springs,” Bush said. “This shows me that the future is very bright for Zizzer golf.”
MSU Tournament
The road trip to Bolivar followed a stop at the Missouri State University Tournament at the Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course in Springfield on April 2.
The Zizzers placed 10th overall with a 326 team total. The Bulldogs of Carl Junction placed first with a combined 307.
“It took us a few holes to get some of the guys settled in,” Bush said, emphasizing that composure remains a key factor on unfamiliar courses. He noted Duggins as a standout during the round. “His scores continue to improve, showing that the hard work he is putting in is paying off.”
West Plains Invitational
The road stretch followed a major victory at home. On March 30, the West Plains Country Club hosted a 16-team field, and the Zizzers rose to the occasion with a first-place finish despite gusty conditions.
West Plains won with a total score of 311. Wood shot a 76, Sutherland carded a 77, Cobb shot a 78, and Jared Kraft finished with an 80. Lockwood finished in second place, and Hollister took third.
The junior varsity team finished in the middle of the pack with a combined 352. Camden Roberts shot an 84, Combs an 88, and Drew and Luke Skeeters each shot 90. A highlight of the day came from sophomore Drew Skeeters, who shot an eagle on Hole 7.
“It’s hard to name a single player who stood out,” Bush said of the home victory. “The whole team played very well and made proper adjustments to the wind. If we play our brand of golf throughout the season, we are going to be really good.”
Up Next
The Zizzers will compete in the Marshfield Invitational on Tuesday.
On Thursday, they’ll return to Marshfield to host the Ozark Mountain Conference at Whispering Oaks.
