Players didn’t conquer the course at Diamondhead Golf Club last week in the 2A 6 District Golf Championship. Parkers Chapel and Junction City survived, finishing first and second, respectively.
Whatever doesn’t kill a person, makes them stronger. At least, that’s the hope as the two teams head into Tuesday’s 2A State Girls Tournament at Glenwood Country Club.
Parkers Chapel’s Lorali Barnes was the only player in the tournament to break a hundred, winning medalist honors with a 98. Junction City’s Karla Castillo carded a 111 and was medalist runner-up.
“Diamondhead was a really tough course and had a lot of trouble and out of bounds,” said Parkers Chapel coach Hillary Frisby. “They really had to focus with each and every shot. I think being able to compete well at this course will give them the confidence they need going into state.”
The players are more familiar with the course at Glenwood, which is more forgiving to mistakes.
“The course at district was pretty hard compared to the one that we are going to compete at, at state,” said Castillo. “It can be helpful in a way because the district course would make you hit the ball straight and if you didn’t you would be in the woods meaning you would have to play it as a hazard. So your shots had to be pretty consistent and straight in order for you to be in a good spot. So that will be helpful going into (this) week.”
A tough course along with playing 18 holes for the first time all season combined to make for some high numbers last week. The players hope they will be more prepared at the state tournament.
“The course for district was pretty tough but I think it only helped with preparing us for Glenwood,” said Junction City senior Valarie Kidwell, who shot 116 last week. “Karla and I played there last year for state and the biggest differences are the penalties. Glenwood doesn’t have as many as Diamondhead. Penalties cost us a ton as a team as far as out of bounds, hazards, and unplayables. I think our scores as a whole will improve with the course at Glenwood.
“After walking 18 at Diamondhead, I’m very confident that the team will have no problem with walking at Glenwood. Part of Diamondhead’s difficulty was the constant up and down we had to walk with our clubs. We don’t face that same challenge in Glenwood.”