New Madrid women taking part in Senior Championship

JOPLIN -- Two New Madrid residents are making a run at the 2012 Missouri Women's Senior Championship after the first day of play at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin on Monday.

Harriette Myers shot an 8-over par 80 in the first round, putting her in a tie for fifth, five shots off the lead.

Meanwhile, fellow New Madrid resident Diane Fowler shot a 12-over par 84 and is tied for 11th place.

Stephany Powell of Springfield has a two shot lead over Patty Robinson of Poplar Bluff to lead the event. Powell is playing in her first senior event, just having reached 50 years of age. Her opening round of 75 leads the tourney of women amateurs from Missouri and Johnson County, Kan.

Patty Robinson has been a several time runner-up at the Senior Championship, and is once again poised to make a run for the title. Defending Champion, Barbara Berkmeyer is not in the 2012 field due to an injury, leaving the field without the 10-time champion in contention.

The 2009 Senior Champion Mary Ann Beattie of S. Louis is only three shots back with a 78. Other strong players are within five shots of the lead: Ginny Orthwein of St. Louis is four shots back, while Glencoe's Diane Chancellor is tied with Myers.

There was excitement on Twin Hill's hole number 14 when Patty Bolz of Kirksville had a hole in one on the 130 yard par three with her seven iron. The Championship division yardage is 5,529 yards par 72.