Bruce King Memorial_Makenzie Leishman_6500_2018

This past week, more than 600 amateur golfers made their way to Mesquite to participate in one of the most anticipated golf tournaments of the year, the 16th Mesquite Amateur. Stan Richins, of Yuba City, California, was the overall champion and Gig Higgins, of Cape Coral, Florida, was the low gross champion.

Richins was able to successfully fend off Patti Howard of New Carney, Texas, in a sudden death, two-hole playoff round on Friday. Higgins made tournament history by being the first player to defend their title as back-to-back low gross champion.

“Every year we get more players interested in coming out and participating in the Mesquite Amateur,” said Christian Adderson, tournament director for Mesquite Gaming, which hosted the tournament. “The comradery, both on and off the course, is really what makes this tournament so special, and we are incredibly grateful to our more than 50 local volunteers and tournament sponsors: Mesquite Gaming, Mesquite Resort Association, Taylor made, Adidas and Callaway.”

Gigi Higgins And Stan Richins Mesquite Am

Mesquite Gaming also gives back to the community during this event each year and, on Wednesday, May 30, players took a moment to pay tribute to one of its favorite players to watch as Virgin Valley High School senior Makenzie Leishman was awarded with a scholarship for $6,500. Since 2013, Mesquite Gaming and the Bruce King Memorial Board have rewarded one senior with a scholarship in memory of King, who participated in the first 10 years of the Mesquite Amateur before passing of cancer in 2012.

Leishman has gone above and beyond throughout her high school career, and is well-deserving of the single largest, local scholarship award. She is the vice president of the National Honor Society, and also the senior class treasurer, among many other exceptional accomplishments. Leishman plans to continue her education and earn a degree in business with an emphasis in entrepreneurship.

For more information about the Mesquite Amateur, visit casablancaresort.com/golf, or follow Mesquite Gaming on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.