Mansfield adds golf as Lady Lions begin fall 2024 season

A total of nine girls golfers have come out to be a part of the inaugural golf season for the Lady Lions after Mansfield added the sport to its list of activities beginning this fall.
Mansfield boys golf coach and athletic director Craig Campbell said adding the sport, along with archery, offers a lot of value to current and future players.
“We wanted to add some sports that weren’t expensive, but would be things that students could continue to play even after they graduated high school,” Coach Campbell said. “We added golf and archery to fulfill this. After talking to several schools that had golf and many that had recently started golf, it became pretty clear that starting both a girls team and a boys team at the same time was the best option. The girls have already grown in their skills and are excited to see how they progress in their first season of competition.”
The inaugural team includes nine girls, led by seniors Cali Lemons, Charleigh Clark, Presley Weldon and Kiersten Garrison. Also playing are junior Addison Jones, sophomores Savannah Clark and Mylee Sullivan, along with freshmen Autumn Strohm and Kendall Sanders.
The girls are playing for girls golf coach Mindy Lemons. Several members of the community have also volunteered their time to teach the young golfers the sport this fall.
Mansfield is using Randel-Hinkle Golf Course in Mountain Grove as its home course.
“They have been great to work with and want to see the game of golf grow with the younger generations,” Coach Campbell said. “They have been very willing to work with us anytime we wanted to bring golfers over to practice.”
Coaches are expecting the players to learn the game while having fun.
“Work on becoming consistent and enjoy a sport you can play your whole life,” Coach Campbell added. “If we win along the way that is just an added bonus…They are excited and nervous to see how they stack up against other girls in the area. They have improved already, and will grow in leaps and bounds throughout the season if they stick with it.”
Mansfield recently competed in the Seymour Tournament, giving the girls an opportunity to play 18 holes for the first time.
Sullivan led the Lady Lions with a 116, Lemons shot a 117, Kiki Garrison had a 118, Clark shot a 130 and Weldon had a 132.