Wesson’s Perry Katherine Furr is enjoying a busy summer on thelinks. Her next golf stop is Alexandria, La., Thursday, competingin the Tri-State Junior Match with six other Mississippians. Theyare matched against teams from Arkansas and Louisiana in three daysof competition.

Thursday is a practice round. There’s a 4-ball format on Fridaymorning and an alternate shot format in the afternoon. On Saturday,it’s individual stroke play.

“It was a good experience last year,” said Furr, recalling theArkansas adventure. “It was good to see the competition from otherstates. You get an idea who can win a college scholarship,” saidthe 16-year-old daughter of Richard and Robin Furr.”

Furr recently made headlines by winning the First Flight in theMississippi Women’s State Amateur Championship at Castlewoods GolfClub in Brandon. Overcoming the disappointment of not qualifyingfor the Championship Flight, Furr defeated Sharon Anderson ofHernando in 19 holes, 1 up; Shelby Sandifer of Florence in 14holes, 5-4; and Jane Gatlin of Oxford 2 up.

Furr shot a 10-over 82 in the qualifying round. “I had a roughday.”

According to Furr, she thoroughly enjoyed the state am. “I lovethat tournament and playing with those women,” said Furr. “They areso nice.”

Cissye Gallagher of Greenwood, a former LSU team and LPGAmember, won the Championship Flight for the 11th time. She defeatedVirginia Grimes of Meridian, a former 5-time Alabama State Amchampion and Curtis Cup team member.

“I like Castlewoods,” said Furr. “Last year it was at Meridian.This course was nicer and it was tougher,” playing to a par-72.

Furr faced a variety of opponents. “I played against a50-year-old woman, a 15-year-old and and a 40-year-old.”

Her short game was exceptional. “I chipped in two in a row foran eagle and a birdie on No.’s 11 and 12,” said Furr. “That wascrazy. My momma was screaming.

“I hit my driver well but my short game was my strong point,”Furr noted.

Her father served as caddy. “We had a great time. It was fun andhelpful. He helped me read the greens and select my clubs. It wascomforting.”

Besides getting pointers from her father, Furr takes lessonsfrom Dave Cowlger of Jackson. She is working part-time at theBrookhaven Country Club pro shop this summer.

Furr is swinging a Ben Hogan 10.5 degree driver. She also uses aCobra hybrid, Nike irons, Titleist wedges and an Odysseyputter.

This weekend Furr will be packing her own clubs. According torules, there will be no caddies in the junior tournaments.

However, Furr’s mom and dad will lead an enthusiastic group ofparents cheering for the Mississippi team.