The 13th Annual Citizens Bank Pioneer Invitational brought high school golfers from across the region to The Course at Eagle Mountain on August 5, where teams from Paragould and Sheridan secured championship titles.
In the boys’ competition, Paragould High School claimed the team title, with Cedar Ridge High School finishing in second place. Paragould’s Nathan Baker led the field, earning individual medalist honors.
On the girls’ side, Sheridan High School took the team championship, while Heber Springs High School was named runner-up. The girls’ individual medalist honors were shared in a three-way tie among Sheridan golfers Chloe Harper and Aubrey Whitaker, along with McKinnley Lee of Palestine-Wheatley High School.
The annual tournament has become a staple of the high school golf schedule in the area, serving as an early opportunity for regional teams to compete. It is hosted through a partnership between Batesville School District golf coach Brian Krug and Citizens Bank.
“This event continues to bring together outstanding golfers from around the region to test their skills in a competitive setting,” noted tournament organizers.
Results from the 2023 Pioneer Invitational are as follows:
**Boys Team Champion:** Paragould High School **Boys Team Runner-Up:** Cedar Ridge High School **Boys Medalist:** Nathan Baker, Paragould High School
**Girls Team Champion:** Sheridan High School **Girls Team Runner-Up:** Heber Springs High School **Girls Medalists (tie):** Chloe Harper, Sheridan High School; Aubrey Whitaker, Sheridan High School; McKinnley Lee, Palestine-Wheatley High School