BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

A total of 13 individuals took part in the inaugural Mini Masters Tournament at Zone 4 Mini Golf & More recently, including members of the Pro Mini Golf Association and the Branson-based Show Me Putters.

Shannon Beemer, who owns and operates Zone 4 with her husband, James Beemer, said the Mini Masters was conceived in 2024, but a family emergency caused the tournament to be canceled. This year, the event was held on Sept. 20 through a light rain, with 13 total entries, including four locals and traveling players from Branson, Springfield, the Kansas City area and Oklahoma.

“James’ passion for golf is why we started this, and we wanted to mimic the Masters at the mini golf level as much as possible,” she said. “It is also drawing more awareness to Zone 4, so we wanted to offer a prestigious tournament where people from all over will want to come here and play.”

The Show Me Putters group had eight entrants in the tournament, including the winner, Eric Feige. Beemer said she found the group on social media and invited members to play in the tournament.

“Some individuals came down and practiced 8-10 times, and some others have come multiple times,” Beemer said. “Their goal is to bring more awareness to mini golf, so we are happy to partner with them for future events and more exposure for both of us.” One traveler who competed for the green jacket was Tom Dixon, of Lawson, who played mini golf for 10 years before joining the U.S. Pro Mini Golf Association.

“[Zone 4’s Mini Masters] is one of only two tournaments in Missouri,” Dixon said. “The other one is in Branson, but we’ve had the U.S. Open twice in Missouri, once in Kansas City and once in Branson.”

As an Association member, Dixon said he has had opportunities to travel extensively for tournaments, including internationally.

“I’ve traveled through Europe playing in Finland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy and Denmark,” he said. “I practiced a lot, watched other people and how they play and picked up their good habits. I get to travel a lot and meet different people, some celebrities, and see different parts of the country.”

Dixon said Cassville’s course stands out.

“I had five aces on my second round, but I’ve got to learn the course,” he said. “I have to find where the breaks are and where I want to shoot. This course is different, and it’s not an easy course. But, I enjoy the challenge to a point.”

Even though it’s 284 miles from home, Dixon said he plans to return to Zone 4.

“I will probably come back,” he said. “This could make a good tour stop now that I know where it’s at.”

For more information on Zone 4 Mini Golf & More, people can visit their Facebook page.