Have clubs, will travel

They were as secretive about their scores as they were about their age.

Richelle Culifer of Tulia said she didn’t play too well in Wednesday’s season-opening tournament of the Hi-Plains Women’s Golf Association at Clovis Municipal Golf Course. Ditto for Canyon’s Sally Tucker, who was overheard saying she four-putted her last hole.

Hi-Plains is comprised of amateur golfers representing eight golf courses in Clovis and the Texas Panhandle. They play at a different course each month through October with points going toward a team championship.

Sharron Hughes of Farwell Country Club was the medalist Wednesday with an 85 on a sun-splashed but breezy day.

Barbara Lumley of Clovis Municipal Golf Course shot an 86 and finished in a three-way tie for second with Jayme Bethel and Rhea Scott of Farwell, which posted six of the top nine individual scores.

Lumley said the purpose of the association, which has been around since at least 1973, is to bring golfers together.

“It’s great to meet new people and play at different golf courses,” said Lumley, who faltered after a solid front nine.

Culifer starting playing golf 12 years ago when a friend talked her into taking lessons. She started competing in Hi-Plains events six years ago.

A case worker for the State Department of Human Services in Tulia, she said playing golf provides a good outlet from her work.

“I like playing the different courses. There’s a lot trees here,” said Culifer, who likely encountered a few while shooting a 109. “But I like trees. It was nice.”

She said she liked playing in the Hi-Plains tournament because “it’s a lot more relaxing than playing with my husband.”

Tucker, who finished in the middle of the pack in the First Flight, said the competition is fun.

“We always want to win,” said Tucker, who joined the association 1982. “But your also glad to see other people do well.”

In Wednesday’s tournament, Farwell, Clovis Muni and Hereford all earn five points, which are awarded for low gross, low net and fewest putts in each of five flights determined by handicaps.