In a span of 11 years from 1946-56, Joplin High School won three boys golf state championships.
The first title came in 1946, and the next two came in back-to-back years in 1955-56.
There was only one class of competition in those days. The Missouri State High School Activities Association did not split the sport into classes until 1978.
Unfortunately, hours of looking through old newspapers and yearbooks did not produce details about these teams. Any information that Joplin High School had was lost in the 2011 tornado.
But these accomplishments certainly are worthy of induction in the Joplin Sports Authority’s Area Sports Hall of Fame.
Joplin won the state championship in 1946 with a team score of 326. This was the first golf state tournament played since 1941.
The championships in 1955 and 1956 were down-to-the-wire finishes.
The 1955 tournament was played at Lakeside Golf Course in Springfield. Joplin won with a 306 total, followed by Fulton and St. Louis University High each with 308 and Aurora with 309.
The 1956 tournament at Swope Park Course 1 was even closer. Joplin prevailed with a 328, edging Clayton and North Kansas City by only one stroke. Fulton was just two shots back in fourth at 330.
Joplin has had two individual state champions through the years.
Ed Generaux shot 152 and won the 1947 tournament at Westborough Country Club in Webster Groves.
Mark Ditto captured the 2000 Class 4A title with a 149 at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course in Columbia.
