Lewiston Golf Claims 58th Tribune Cup Title

Tournament Overview

The 58th annual Tribune Cup women’s golf tournament wrapped up on July 15 at Clarkston’s Red Wolf Golf Club. Defending champions Lewiston Golf and Country Club (LGCC) entered the final round with their backs against the wall after falling behind by three points following the first two installments. The six LGCC representatives stayed undaunted, pulling ahead to finish with a cumulative total of 63 points. Quail Ridge posted 58 points, while Red Wolf settled for third place at 41 points.

Red Wolf captain Helen Henry hosted the closing ceremony, toasting participants with champagne during a genial post‑tournament luncheon in the clubhouse. “It doesn’t matter what team you’re from — we’re all best of friends,” Henry said, emphasizing the friendly rivalry that defines the event. Her remarks set a lighthearted tone as players prepared for the next chapter.

Match‑Play Format and Team Dynamics

The Tribune Cup uses a three‑part match‑play structure where players compete in groups of three, each representing a different team. Points are awarded by out‑performing opponents on most holes rather than by total strokes. LGCC captain Marcy Spilker supplied each teammate with a bottle of Propel sports drink, citing the electrolyte boost for stamina throughout the day. The format allowed even a bad hole to keep a team “in it,” as Kim Eimers later described.

Light rain and persistent winds created challenging conditions, but many felt the weather was more enjoyable than the scorching sun typical of previous Cups. Uniforms also added character: LGCC wore pink checkered polo shirts, while Quail Ridge sported white‑and‑green dotted tops. Red Wolf chose a “rebellious” style with no set dress code, a choice that drew amused comments from onlookers.

Key Performances and Scoring

Kim Eimers anchored Lewiston’s victory with a perfect six points, attributing her success to a strong long game despite modest putting. Spilker contributed 4.5 points, and Carlee Rhodes added another 4 points while wearing a red LC windbreaker to “represent.” Tammy Baldus tallied 4 points, and rookie Julie Fisher scored 3.5 points, proving her competitive drive across multiple sports.

Quail Ridge’s Colleen Schilling also posted a flawless six points, calling it her “claim to fame,” while teammate Wendy Rimmelspacher earned five points. Red Wolf’s Kim Thiel, Shanna Caba, and Sheila Wooley each managed 4.5 points. On Tuesday’s final round, Lewiston scored 22 points, Red Wolf 18, and Quail Ridge 14.

Looking Ahead

All participants expressed enthusiasm for returning, hinting that the rivalry will intensify next year. Spilker declared, “Next year’s threepeat,” setting a bold goal for the defending champions. The cumulative victory marks Lewiston as the premier team in the 58th Tribune Cup, reinforcing its status as a dominant force in the region’s women’s golf scene.

The event’s blend of competition, camaraderie, and community spirit ensures that the Tribune Cup will remain a highlight of the summer calendar. Whether the focus shifts to tightening putting games or refining long‑shot strategies, fans can expect another spirited contest when the cup returns next summer.