The 2A State Girls Golf Tournament will be held Monday at Turkey Mountain Golf Course in Horseshoe Bend. Parkers Chapel plans to spend the weekend at the resort town but it won’t be for rest and relaxation.
“Adjusting to the course is a tough one for us when we travel north because we usually have to play more elevated tee boxes and greens than we are used to here in the south,” said PC coach Mona Williams. “It will especially come into play for the girls at Turkey Mountain. The girls are playing once on Saturday on their own as practice and another official practice round on Sunday before the tournament on Monday. We are hoping the extra day of practice will help with the extreme differences in the course and confidence in club selection.”
The Lady Trojans qualified as a team after winning the 2A-6 Conference Tournament on Monday at the Lion’s Club. Parkers Chapel’s roster includes one senior, Hannah Brotherton, and three freshmen – Bella Frisby, Franzi Kahlert and Reaux McAuliffe.
“I am extremely happy that our freshman girls are getting to experience a state tournament because every experience gained in big pressure situations or tournaments is valuable down the road as juniors and seniors,” said Williams.
“Our team goals for the boys and the girls are for each player to shoot consistent with their capability. In order to do that, we have to once again control our emotions, adjust to the course we are playing, and not give shots away like putts we can make, chunked chips, etc. We have to take care of the basics and especially in our short game.”
Brotherton, the team’s most experienced player, played a pivotal role in the Lady Trojans’ conference championship. She will be counted on again on Monday for her play and for leadership throughout the weekend.
“Our one senior, Hannah, is practicing hard as evidenced by her 95 in conference in order to contribute in a big way to her team,” said Williams. “It’s exciting to see youth and experience come together because Hannah went to state last year at this same course. She will be able to give our younger players some advice especially on how tiring it is walking those steep hills all day. I’m sure she will be a leader in helping me tell the girls to go to bed early Sunday night.”