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.”
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.
Chris….. I’m a first time for the Mesquite Amateur. I been going to Myrtle Beach for years. My Buddy Daniel Monico been trying to get me to come. Glad I did, and will return. Loved the weather, the Golf, and the festivities. The dinners were great and just too much to brag on. I think you and your team have done a fantastic job. The check in and the $100 gift card is such a great idea. Wish MB WA did the same.
I did make the final day at Cassa. Loved it. But with a 12 handicap, I cannot compete with the group for either Gross or Net. I played my best and was net even. And in 17th place. That’s GREAT. BUT……..!
The top 10 spots were of high handicaps. Which is such an advantage. High handicaps play it different on tournament days. Which in turn they are hard if not impossible to beat. If you had an 80% handicap rule for Day 4 ONLY, I think you would see a MUCH fairer field. Not wanting to penalize anyone. But EVERYONE plays at the 80%. Low handicappers would loose 0-1 stroke while 30 handicaps loose 6 strokes, making them a 24. Look at the final scores from this year and see how many people would be shooting NET PAR. Not these ridiculous low scores.
More people would then be competitive for the Trophy on the Championship round.
I loved the Tournament and will return. Trying to bring a couple guys with me.
But the ONLY drawback is final day equal competitiveness. You have done a GREAT JOB. Please keep it up.
Jim Howell. Jeffersonville In. 502-645-9519.
Would love to hear from you. Would love to discuss it. We do this at my old club and has proved to be Very fair for ALL.
Thanks Again.