For most high school athletes, playing for their school at the state level is one of the most memorable and important moments of their high school careers. Typically, these athletes have the support of their entire team throughout this experience. At the IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals, however, players are on their own rather than with their teammates for the majority of the time.
Golf is a team sport, but much of it is an individual affair. So how does the girls golf team prepare for their biggest tournament of the year?
Every year the top three teams from each regional, along with the top 18 individuals whose team did not advance, compete in the IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals, held at Prairie View Golf Club. The two-day tournament consists of 18 holes played each day.
“Heading into the week of state we will play an 18-hole practice round at the course and also spend a second day practicing at the facility to work on short game and putting,” Peter Salvadori, girls golf coach, said. “We then have a team strategy session where we break down each hole and how to approach it.”
For every tournament in addition to practicing together to prepare, once it is time to play, the team makes a conscious effort to support one another mentally and emotionally throughout the day to maintain a lighthearted, positive atmosphere.
“We are all there for each other if someone is nervous or anxious and wants to have someone to talk to about it,” junior Sophie Roberts said. “During play, if we see each other, it’s really great to make each other laugh or talk for a bit.”
The team aspect of any sport is extremely important, but in golf, much of the time is spent alone. Players must prepare to compete at every tournament individually, as well as build a strong mental fortitude, especially for a tournament as important as state.
“Individually, I mostly focus on keeping a positive mindset and course management,” senior Janelle Garcia said. “Things I’ve learned from previous years are patience and focus because after one bad hole it would drag the rest of my round down. Now I have learned to move on, and like I said, keep a positive mindset because there’s nothing I can do to fix the past.”
The team has already experienced success this postseason, placing first at sectionals and second at regionals. Garcia was named individual sectional champion, while Roberts earned individual regional champion.
“We are heading into the postseason with a lot of potential and are really playing some of our best golf,” Salvadori said. “It will be exciting to see how it all plays out as we work toward our goals. Regardless of the outcome, I am so proud of these girls and it is a blessing to be their coach.”
With this being the last time the team will play together, these athletes are determined to put their best foot forward and showcase all the hard work they have put in this season.
“We always want to go in with the mindset of we have a chance to go prove ourselves and not just be happy we are there,” Roberts said. “We have one common goal in mind and that is to surprise everyone with our team’s capabilities.”
