100th Tri-State Invitational Celebrates Century of Golf at Middlesboro Country Club

The Middlesboro Country Club proudly hosted the 100th Tri-State Invitational last weekend, marking a historic milestone for one of the region’s oldest golf tournaments. Established in 1924, the Tri-State Invitational has become a beloved tradition, surviving wars, the Great Depression, and various other challenges over the past century.
Although not played consecutively for 100 years, the tournament’s origins date back to 1924 when the Kentucky Amateur tournament came to Middlesboro Country Club, with the Kentucky Open being played in conjunction. The legendary Craig Wood, who was the winner of 21 PGA Tour titles including two major championships and a member of three Ryder Cup teams, won the Open at Middlesboro Country Club that year.
The 1940s also saw another sports icon, Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, gracing the Middlesboro course in an unforgettable exhibition match. Babe was an American athlete who excelled in multiple sports, including golf, basketball, baseball, and track and field. She won two gold medals and a silver in track and field at the 1932 Summer Olympics before turning to professional golf, where she won 10 LPGA major championships. During her visit to Middlesboro, Babe teamed up with Julian Pitzer to play against Howard Reyes and Weldon Johnson. Johnson stole the show with a brilliant 4-under par 32 on the front nine on a cold, wet day.
Inspired by the success of these early tournaments, Middlesboro golfers established the Tri-State Invitational, which has since become a cherished event. This year’s tournament was exceptional as it featured the first-ever Women’s Flight, an addition the Middlesboro Ladies Golf Association hopes to see grow in the years to come. The inaugural Women’s Flight showcased talented players, including Stephanie McCune, Lindsay Davis Haywood, Mary Beth West, Rebecca J. Johnson, Emily Sharp, Caitlyn Bradford, and Rachel Wilson.
Lindsay Davis Haywood claimed first place in the Women’s Flight, shooting an impressive 9-under par with a score of 135. There is excitement at the Middlesboro Country Club as course records are being reviewed—Haywood may have set a new ladies’ course record during her remarkable performance.
The tournament also honored long-time Tri-State player and past winner, Steve Stapleton, for his outstanding contributions to amateur golf in the region. Stapleton, a four-time Tri-State champion in 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1982, has been a key figure in the tournament’s history. His enduring legacy was recognized by Middlesboro Country Club’s manager, Ronnie Cox.
Bell County native Braxton Caldwell won the Championship Flight, shooting 9-under par with a score of 135. The Middlesboro Country Club congratulates Caldwell on his outstanding achievement.
A special thank you goes out to the McGregor Family for their generous sponsorship of the $500 Shootout, which added an extra level of excitement to this year’s tournament.

The winners of the 100th Tri-State Invitational are as follows:

Championship Flight:

1st Place: Braxton Caldwell (135)

2nd Place: Michael Wilson

3rd Place: Pete Cornett

4th Place: Ryan Burchfield

1st Flight:

1st Place: Tyler Harris (149)

2nd Place: Brett Widner

3rd Place Tie: David Smith & Peyton Wilder

2nd Flight:

1st Place Tie: Nick Cox & Brendan Rutherford (158)

3rd Place: Chris Harris

4th Place Tie: Derrick Wynn & Ian Trent

3rd Flight:

1st Place: Jarod Long (172)

2nd Place: Stan Marlow

3rd Place: Alvie Evans

4th Place: Wil Sanders

Senior Flight:

1st Place: Steve Evans (148)

2nd Place: Steve Stapleton

3rd Place: Tom Howard

4th Place: JC Shumate

Ladies Flight:

1st Place: Lindsay Davis Haywood (135)

2nd Place: Caitlyn Bradford

3rd Place: Rebecca Johnson

4th Place: Stephanie McCune

The Middlesboro Country Club extends its congratulations to all participants and winners. The Club looks forward to continuing the tradition of the Tri-State Invitational for the next 100 years.

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