BIC Lady Golfer takes state title

The fourth time was a charm for Nan Lee Bridges, Buffalo Island Central senior, as she took the state golf title in the A-AA Girls' Division. The state tournament was held Monday, Sept. 26, at Mountain Ranch at Fairfield Bay near Heber Springs. Nan Lee has been playing high school golf since her freshmen year and qualified for state competition every year. Her freshmen and sophomore years she finished seventh, moving up to fifth place her junior year.

Nan Lee said the course was tough but she had played there at least once a year during her high school career and knew what to expect.

"The course has a lot of sand and the rain right before the match helped," Nan Lee said.

She has had a great year of golf, winning medalist in the District Tournament and Regional Tournament. She finished nine holes with a 42 at District at Thunder Bayou in Gosnell; a 79 on 18 holes at regional at Melbourne; and 81 to take the state tournament.

Fifty-six girls competed in the state tournament.

"The girl I was playing with, Christie Sanders from Locksburg, was a good golfer," Nan Lee said. "I was up by three strokes on the eighth hole and I bogeyed and she birdied, putting her one stroke behind."

Nan Lee shot an 81 for the title and Christie shot a 91 for runner-up.

"I didn't know for sure I was ahead until all scores were in," Nan Lee said.

The top three in all state divisions will compete for the Overall State Championship on Oct. 11 in Pine Bluff.

Mari Hayden has been coaching the Lady Mustang golf team for 10 years. This is the first state title for the BIC Lady Golfers.

"She has been a joy to work with, she is a wonderful kid, she has a great year of golf and we are looking forward to going to Overall," Hayden said.

Once the golf season is over, Nan Lee will be ready to concentrate on her last year of high school basketball and softball.

She is the daughter of Mike and Nita Bridges of Leachville.