Kamas, KHS claim Weatherford tournament titles

The cliché about it not being how one starts, but rather how they finish played out in real life for Maddi Kamas.

After bogeying her first two holes and three of her first four Wednesday, Kamas caught fire to claim medalist honors and lead Kingfisher to the team title at the Weatherford Invitational.

The senior had six birdies over her final 12 holes to shoot a 4-under-par 67 at Prairie West Golf Club.

Kamas won the individual championship by 14 strokes over Tuttle’s Kelsey Douglas.

Apparently, it could have been more.

putts didn’t fall,” Kamas said. “I could have had 10 to 12 birdies.”

She paced the Lady Jackets to a 369, which was 18 strokes fewer than runner-up Elk

Tuttle was third with a 392 in the 14-team field.

Olivia Wilcox and Kylie Hood shot 100 for KHS.

Kari Shepard finished at 102 and Katey Brickman at 105.

Coach Audra Smalley was encouraged by the scores with it being so early in the season.

“I was proud they’re all close to breaking 100,” Smalley said. “They all had holes where that was very possible to do.”

The teams battled windy conditions and cool temperatures throughout the day.

“Our girls handled it well,” Smalley said.

Kamas said she became agitated with herself after her slow start. However, a “pep talk” from her mother after the second bogey included some wise words.

Kamas, who has signed to play at Oklahoma City University, rebounded to birdie the third hole, but collected another bogey on the fourth.

“I started to become agitated again, but then I relaxed and that’s when the birdies started coining.”

Smalley said any inner anger by Kamas was well-hidden.

“She really is so good at keeping her composure,” Smalley said. “That kind of mentality will benefit her so much in college.”

As for the team, Smalley expects continued improvement on the course...and on the scorecards.

“I’m excited to see once everyone’s game starts clicking - what we can do,” she said.