The 2023-2024 Rolla High School girls golf season has come to a dramatic close. The players came head-to-head with monstrous obstacles and experienced euphoric triumphs. The team won their district tournament, and their three top players placed. Because they won, the whole varsity team got to play at the state tourney, where they placed sixth. Alyssa Joyce received 23rd, blazing the way for her team.
The road to state was not an easy one. Senior Rylie Bales, who placed 13th at districts, and 69th at state, reflected on her experience at the previous year’s competition.
“Well, so [at] districts you have to make a cut off for a certain score and it was 99 and I shot 100. I missed by one stroke, so it was a little tough,” said Bales.
The girls put in many long hours at the fairway to make sure that they would have a successful season. Junior Audrey Smith received third at districts, leading her team. At state she placed 38th. Smith focused a lot on her mentality while at practice.
“I’ve been working a lot on my mental game because golf is only half physical,” explained Smith. “Because if you’re upset and you’re throwing things you’re not gonna play well. It’s gonna mess you up. And that’s a big thing. So if you get mad you have to pull yourself out of it.”
While it is important to be a well-rounded player, the girls know that there are certain aspects of the game that are more essential than others.
“[I] definitely work on my short game a lot like putting, and chipping is definitely a big part of your game. Like, putting is where you make all your money,” stated Bales.
The girls credited much of their success to the coaching staff. Zack Nixon is the head coach of the girls golf team. Nixon is assisted by Mark Martin.
“Coach Nixon literally helps me so much. He’s always pushing me to be my best. He’s always talking to me about my mental game and positivity and he’s always there to help me,” said Bales.
Nixon acted as a support system for his athletes, encouraging them to perform to their greatest ability.
“When you’re in a funk or something on the course, he gets you out of it immediately. Whether it’s like doing a silly dance or something. He’s always got your back,” said Smith.
