Quality golf shots and a friendly atmosphere helped set the scene at this year’s Mesa Verde Tee Cup golf tournament. So too did the beautifully manicured Conquistador Golf Course, which, hosted the annual all-female tournament on Aug. 12.
Put on by the Conquistador Women’s Golf Association, this year’s Tee Cup attracted 51 players, who were divided between four flights. Roughly half of the tournament’s players were from the local area, while the other half travelled from locations throughout the Four Corners to compete.
Leading this year’s field was Flavia Torres, who, displaying an impressive array of shots, carded a 78 to win top honors in the championship flight. Finishing just behind Torres in the championship flight were Jessica Thulson and Aimee Fladt.
Pacing the field in the first flight, Karen Foster placed first in both the net and gross category, while Cortez resident Kim Franchini registered the top gross score in the second flight. Shirley Valdez registered the top gross score in the third flight.
Scores were only one part of the story at this year’s Tee Cup however, which featured a communal atmosphere in which players interacted between shots and enjoyed one another’s company.
“I enjoy playing with new people,” said Conquistador Women’s Golf Association publicist Sherri Franchini. “(Golfers) travel from outside the area and its always fun to interact with them.”
Echoing Franchini’s sentiments, Association president Dorothy Banks explained that the Tee Cup always provides an enjoyable experience. In addition, the annual tournament generates funds that are used support junior golf programs in the area.
“(The Tee Cup) is the only tournament that (the Association) puts on,” said Banks. “Over the years, we’ve worked to promote junior golf in the area. We just want to further the sport.”
Enthused following the tournament’s conclusion, many players walked to the nearby Elks Club to eat dinner. Following dinner, the Association held its annual awards banquet.
According to tournament organizers, the Tee Cup will take place again next year.
