Special to the Banner-News
FORREST CITY - Special Olympics Arkansas welcomed 24 teams from across the state last week for the State Unified Golf Tournament played at The Ridgecrest Club.
The 24-teams included players from Forrest City, Magnolia, Bryant, Russellville, Conway, Little Rock, Greenwood, McCrory, Jonesboro and Marion grouped into eight flights.
“The event went very well and our state office staff plans to return here next year,” said Area Director Joey Astin.
The players and their partners played nine holes.
In the Championship Flight, first place winners Bubba Wyse of Magnolia and Charlie Ramsey of Forrest City with a 49.
Second place winners were Caleb Ross of Conway and Chase Crook of Jonesboro with a score of 50, while Joseph Hill and C.J. Brewster of Cedar Ridge finished third with a score of 51.
“Bubba is a really good player,” Ramsey said. “We have been partnered in golf tournament before and he is just a super guy to have as a partner. He talks the entire time we are on the course, but he’s gun to be with."
Warren Barber and Austin Reeves shot 52 and won the First Flight, while Jessie Davis and Charlie Crow finished second at 53, while Jim Barnett and Tommy Fields were third at 54.
Cody Calhoun and Jerry Bridges shot a 55 to win the Second Flight while Alan Brown and Charles Brown were second at 60. John Kettles and Todd Kettles shot a 62 to finish third.
Zane Schafer and Jason Rundick carded a 62 to win the Third Flight while Terry Haynes and Randy Turner had a 66 for second place and Brian Curtis and Jeff Crow finished third with around of 66.
Keith Slater and Chera Havner shot 72 to win the Fourth Flight. Keith Lertpemaeta and Irvin Humphrey finished second with a 72, while Matthew Franks and Christopher Newby were third at 75.
Robert Jones and James Calvert shot 77 and finished first in the Fifth Flight; Kari Lott and Tye Smith were second at 79; and Gillian Johnson and Marissa Williams shot an 80 for third place.
Zachary Franks and Ariston Gray carded an 82 to win the Sixth Flight while the team of Sierra Reaper and Belinda King finished second with an 83. Elijah Steele and Shelby Scott shot 84 for third.
William Woods and Caleb Walker finished with an 86 to win the Seventh Flight.