The combination of all their efforts is an event that the hosts say they're very proud of.
"We are proud," said Lou Cheese, another DCC member in the field. "It's at the top of the list."
"It's nice to be able to put on a tournament that's equal to the tournaments we go to around here," Sharpe added. "We go to a lot of nice tournaments in central Kentucky and we're proud to put on one that's up to snuff."
Field is full within about three weeks
This has long been a popular tournament with visiting players, many of whom return year after year. Invitations go out about six weeks beforehand, and Cheese said the field is full within about three weeks.
"I would bet you this tournament fills up quicker than any tournament in the state," she said.
And the hosts are enjoying themselves just as much as the guests. Cheese said she has played in the Tee Cup for about 20 years, Sharpe said she has been in the field for 10 to 12 years, and both said they entered as soon they established their handicap.
Cheese and Sharpe shot 94 and 96, respectively, and while they might fret about strokes lost here and there, they can also smile about a few good shots.
"I parred the last hole," Sharpe said. "Just when you're ready to give it up, you get a nice par. On the hole before I put one in the lake."
The number of DCC members in the field has risen in recent years, and Cheese said that might be because attendance has also risen in the women's clinics the club pros hold.
None of the DCC members were paired with each other, and Sharpe said it's more enjoyable to share the round with their out-of-town guests.
"That makes it more fun," she said. "If you're playing with the same people you play with every day, it's not quite the same. Golf is just a fun sport, and having a tournament gives it a little different atmosphere."
Warner leads with 73
Kelli Warner of Liberty, who graduated from Casey County High School last month and is playing the Tee Cup for the first time, led the championship flight after the first day of play with an even-par 73.
Anne Combs, Cynthia Powell and Joan Rizer, who have combined to win 19 of the previous 28 championships, were one stroke back when the final round began today.
Championship Flight Scores
Kelli Warner 73
Anne Combs 74
Cynthia Powell 74
Joan Rizer 74
Kim Hartlage 75
Brittany Klein 75
Sami Montgomery-Claywell 75
