Cameron’s quest comes up just short at DCP Regional Finals

Saturday, September 30, 2017
Emree Cameron proudly displays her Drive, Chip, and Putt hard earned hardware.
Submitted photo

Nevada, Missouri golf phenom Emree Cameron, came up just short in her quest for a return trip to the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals, held in early April at Augusta National Golf Club.

Cameron, 10, finished tied for third in her age division at last year’s DCP National Finals in Augusta, Georgia. Looking to punch her ticket to the 2018 DCP National Finals, Cameron was just one step away, after advancing the DCP Regional Finals, held Sept. 16 at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Cameron emerged with a third-place finish, but needed to win the event in order to advance.

Nevada 10-year-old Emree Cameron, tees off at the Drive, Chip, and Putt Regional Finals, Sept. 16 at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.
Submitted photo

“Emree’s performance was outstanding,” said her father and swing coach, Eric. “But her numbers weren’t good enough this year for her to return to Augusta.

“She had second place finishes in the drive and chip (categories), which contributed to her final score of 99, and good enough to get her on the medal stand in third place overall.”

Callia Ward, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, won the event with a final total of 109, while Wichita, Kan., native Kinslea Jones edged Cameron out for runner-up, finishing with a score of 100.

“To make it to the regional finals put her in the top three percent of the kids that competed in the age bracket from the United States and Canada,” noted Eric.

“So just getting that far is extremely tough. We are good with a top three finish at the regional. Going to Augusta on the PGA’s dime is a once in a lifetime experience, and we are happy for Callia. We know she will have the time of her life.”

Emree’s quest for a return trip to Augusta, however, is far from over.

“Emree will be back at it next year competing in the same age bracket,” said Eric.

Local youth

A trio of Nevada youth golfers hit the links on Sept. 24, competing at the U.S. Kids Kansas City Tour at Fred Arbanas Golf Course, with Emree winning the 10-11 year-old division after carding a nine-hole score of 40.

Emree’s younger brother, Ty, had a strong sixth-place showing in the boys 7-year-old division, concluding with a 51.

Playing 18 holes, Owen Swearingen carded an 84, placing him in ninth out of 25 golfers.

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