Record turnout for Michele Kiser Women’s Golf Clinic & Fashion Show

Johnna Welch, right, beat breast cancer this year.
Johnna Welch, right, beat breast cancer in 2016.

When the breast cancer diagnosis came down last summer, avid golfer Johnna Welch got it in her mind that she would fight the good fight.

So, some 13 months since she stared down cancer’s door, look is back on a golf course and, even better, supporting children’s charities through the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.

Welch was among a record crowd of 114 who turned out Monday for the annual Michele Kiser Women’s Golf Clinic & Fashion Show presented by Advertising Plus.

The event, held at Highland Springs Country Club, marked the start of a two-week celebration for the 27th PCCC. A year ago, the tournament gifted more than $900,000 to children’s charities across the Ozarks.

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“I wanted to get back outside and get back to playing,” Welch said. “I missed last year. And I look forward to coming as long as I can. I had it in my head that I was going to beat this (cancer).”

Welch was among numerous golfers who expressed appreciation for the event, named in honor of the former owner of Advertising Plus. Michele Kiser, who was involved in numerous aspects of the PCCC, passed away January 1, 2015 after a battle with cancer. Her husband, Marc, now runs the business.

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“Michele Kiser was my very dearest friend, and I came out to learn more about this very difficult game,” said Deb Mergen. “We’ll honor her name and keep it going. She put a lot of time, effort and money and was very dedicated to the sport and the Charity Championship.”

Wendy Twitty concurred.

“I knew Michele well. She was a neat lady,” Twitty said.

Area pros spent a 90-minute morning session on the driving range offering tips about wedge shots and tee shots. The instructors were Brian Maloney, Steve Schumate, Justin Drane, Steve Harrison, Garrett Holt, Larry Ray, Bryan Daniels, Dale Fisher, Mark Ophoven, Dean Hudspeth and Max Arrowood.

“Golf’s a good sport. It’s a love-hate relationship,” novice golfer Stacye Perriman joked.

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The fashion show included Stephanie Appleby, Janet Rose, Cassandra Raven and Elizabeth Walker modeling fashions from Uptown Boutique and Academy Sports.

“It’s a good cause, and I enjoy being involved in the Price Cutter,” said Rose. “They have a lot of nice people with great causes.”

Appleby concurred.

“I love being a part of this event,” Appleby said. “The fashion show has always felt like an official kick off to tournament week and provides us a wonderful opportunity to relax, have fun and play dress up all for a great cause!”

Photos from the event can be found on Facebook at Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.

 

Fore the ladies: Michele Kiser Women’s Golf Clinic & Fashion Show

The volunteer models for the Michele Kiser Women's Golf Clinic, Luncheon & Fashion Show, from left (front row): Janet Rose, Donna Gravitt, Twila Walker and Kelly Smith. Back row from left: Stephanie Appleby, Kelsey Schrimpf, Diane Nachitgal and Michal Moss Early.
The volunteer models for the 2015 Michele Kiser Women’s Golf Clinic, Luncheon & Fashion Show, from left (front row): Janet Rose, Donna Gravitt, Twila Walker and Kelly Smith. Back row from left: Stephanie Appleby, Kelsey Schrimpf, Diane Nachitgal and Michal Moss Early.

Local golfer Sue Pippin puts this way: “What lady doesn’t like a fashion show?” Soon, Springfield will have one. Even better, it will benefit the charities among the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.

The PCCC is accepting reservations for the Michele Kiser Women’s Golf Clinic, Luncheon and Fashion Show, an event sponsored by Advertising Plus and named in honor of the founder of Advertising Plus who passed away on January 1, 2015.

This year’s event offers a favorable date – Monday, August 1 – and is one of the first events of the PCCC, part of the PGA’s Web.com Tour and a major fundraiser for local children’s charities.

The entry fee is affordable. It’s only $30 per person, or $250 for a table of 10. To reserve your ticket, call the PCCC at 417-887-3400.

In fact, the clinic is one of two major women’s-related events tied to the PCCC, as the Betty Allison’s Pro-Am is scheduled on Tuesday, August 9 at Millwood Golf and Racquet Club. One of the highlights of the fashion show will be the drawing for four playing spots in the Betty Allison’s Pro-Am, the only women’s pro-am on the PGA’s Web.com Tour.

“This is such a fun event each year,” said Sharyn Wagoner, Tournament Chair. “It is a great way to spend a few hours with friends, get some great golf instruction while supporting 40-plus children’s charities of the Price Cutter Charity Championship.”

Designs from Uptown Boutique and Academy Sports will be modeled during the salad luncheon. Many ladies also attend for the 90-minute golf clinic, supervised by Brian Maloney, the Director of Golf at Highland Springs Country Club who also brings in area teaching professionals. The ratio of instructors to golfers is 1 to 10.

“I like how they give you options of what you want to work on,” Pippin said. “If you have trouble with your short game or whatever area of your game, there is a pro waiting to help you.”