Success in golf is not about the perfect swing or perfect chip shot, it is about strengthening the mind and body to endure the game of golf. From repetitive routines and countless repetitions of the same swing and practice, these high school girls golfers prepare themselves for practices, mental challenges, and intense matches that allow them to perform at their highest level. Sophie Roberts and Maya Cieply both Juniors on the girls HSE golf team share their thoughts on their preparation and practice.
Interviews were conducted with both athletes, and they had interesting responses. They were asked about the hardest part of practices and matches.
Maya responded, “The hardest part about practices and matches is staying mentally locked in the whole time.” Maya continued, “Golf takes hours, and it is easy to get distracted or frustrated after a bad shot. For me, the challenge is not letting one mistake affect the rest of my round.”
Sophie replied, “For invites it is usually the slow play and the long days.” Sophie added, “While matches we are just racing daylight most of the time. I just stick to my routine and focus on myself.”
Challenges come and go, and some improve athletes for the better. When asked about challenges they have had to overcome this season. They both responded with different things.
Maya responded, “One challenge I had to overcome was my mental game. It is still a struggle for me every time I play because golf is so mental.” Maya continued, “Some rounds I go into it just knowing that I am going to play well and that is such a great feeling.”
Sophie started with, “I had struggled with some self doubt for a few invites.” Sophie continued, “And mainly just had to prove myself wrong.”
Every sport has one thing in common, practice makes perfect. But for golf perfect is not really an option. When asked about what a normal practice looks like the athletes responded.
“A normal practice for me consists of all aspects of the game and is usually about two and a half hours long when I am by myself.” Sophie added, “Most of the time I spend working to improve all aspects of my game especially because golf is not a game of perfect.”
Maya replied, “A normal practice usually starts with warming up on the range, working through a few different clubs to get loose. Maya continued, “After that, I will spend a good amount of time on short game like chipping, pitching, and putting, because that is where most strokes are saved.”
In the end not only is golf a physical sport but it is also a mental sport not just for high school athletes but even professionals. The stress and overthinking can combat your ability to perform at your physical best even if you have practiced your shot a thousand times. These HSE athletes show determination and dedication to themselves and their team.
