Mitchell Fires A 10-Under 61

Chris Mitchell grew up at Downriver. Monday it looked like he owned the golf course.

Using just 22 putts, the Sun Dance pro fashioned what he called his best round ever on the tree-lined North Side course, a 10-under-par 61, to win the Washington Trust Bank Pro-Ladies.

“I’ve played a lot of rounds at this golf course, but this is the best I’ve ever played here,” said Mitchell after shooting 30-31.

He recalled shooting a 63 in a Pro-Am, only to learn that Mark Gardner, now the pro at The Creek at Qualchan, had a 61 that day.

Mitchell had 10 birdies and no bogies in finishing four shots ahead of Downriver’s Dan Porter. Gardner was in a group of four at 66 as 15 pros bettered par.

Kathy Gildersleeve-Jensen of The Fairways was the leading woman pro with a 79, while three women shot 80s to set the pace for the amateurs - Suzie Stone, Spokane Country Club; Dee McMillan, Colville; and Katie King, Manito Country Club.

Next Pro-Am stop will be Monday at Wandermere.