Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Kathy Fortune hits a shot during last year’s county tournament.

There is a new record holder in the women’s open division of the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Webster County golf tournament.

Morgan (Byson) Hanson, a former standout at Manson Northwest Webster, established a new overall low mark for the history books on her way to a double-digit stroke victory at Lakeside and the Fort Dodge Country Club.

The 23-year-old Byson fired a one-under par 70 on Saturday, tying the 18-hole FDCC best in this event established 18 years ago by Stef Nelson. For good measure, Byson carded a two-over 74 Sunday at Lakeside to topple the previous 36-hole record held by Nelson (2004) and Stacey Bergman (1997).

Peg Christensen was victorious for a fourth time in the senior bracket, and Kathy Fortune joined the super senior ranks to extend her streak of gold medals in this event to four consecutive years.

Byson, who works for the Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation Department, set a new personal low at the Country Club to take complete control. Her 144 was two shots better than the long-standing total shared by Nelson and Bergman.

“I had no idea I was close to the record, so it was a great surprise and I feel very fortunate to have set it considering the caliber of players that held it before me,” said Byson, who is marrying Fort Dodge’s Ted Hanson of Hanson’s Custom Golf next month. “My putter was really working well, and so was my driver.

“My approach was just to play my own game and make good decisions. I knew if I could stay focused (Sunday), I could shoot another solid round.”

The title was the first for Byson, an individual state qualifier in high school at MNW and the 2022 women’s open runner-up.

“This means a lot because a lot of great players have won it before me,” Byson said.

Former winner Sam Kuhn (81-74–155) placed second.

Byson’s playing partners both days, ironically enough, were Christensen and Fortune. Christensen was the previous senior champ in 2013, 2016 and 2017.

“I played just so-so,” Christensen said after her rounds of 85 at the FDCC and 88 at Lakeside. “I got into some trouble on the back (nine Sunday). It was a lot of fun playing with Morgan and Kathy, though. We had a good time and I think (being around other top competitors) really helps us all.

“This is such a terrific event for our community. I love playing in this.”

Fortune has become a mainstay in this tournament. The Rockwell City resident, who works on her uncle’s acreage in Lehigh, had rounds of 77 and 76 in the second-ever women’s super senior competition.

“My putting and chipping were solid,” said Fortune, who was anchored by an eagle at No. 5 and a birdie on the 9th hole at Lakeside on Sunday. “I just really look forward to this every summer. The camaraderie is the best, and both courses are just beautiful.”

Fortune previously brought home senior gold in 2015, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

This year’s tournament is set for Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14. For the first time, a “Legends” Division is being offered on both the men’s and women’s side for players age 70 and older. This will flank the traditional open, senior (age 50-59) and super senior (age 60-69) championship brackets for individual 36-hole stroke play at the Fort Dodge Country Club and Lakeside Golf Courses.

The women’s competition will also feature a new two-person best shot on July 13 at Lakeside. This is an alternative to the individual bracket, which is still being offered. Players would choose which event — the 36-hole individual tournament or the 18-hole best shot tourney — to enter beforehand.

Full Swing Financial Planning of Fort Dodge is sponsoring this year’s closest to the pin contest, which takes place on Saturday. There will be $100 winners at each of the par-3s at the respective courses.

Tee times are in nine-minute increments on the men’s side, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on July 13 at the FDCC. The women start at 8 a.m. at Lakeside on the 13th.

Cost is $85 per player for the 36-hole, two-day tournament, or $40 per player for the women’s two-person best shot.

The championship nine for both the men’s open and senior divisions will be at approximately 5:30 p.m. on July 14 at Lakeside.

Groups are asked to sign up either by phone or in person at their respective designated courses. Players must pre-pay.

All citizens who either live or work in Webster County are invited to participate.

For more information or to sign up for the tournament, please call the FDCC (515-955-8551) or Lakeside (515-576-6741).