Carlmont senior Ellie Molholm has steadily risen through the ranks in the Peninsula Athletic League since her freshman year, helping the Scots win their third consecutive PAL championship this season.
“I have been playing golf casually since I was little, but not seriously until my freshman year,” Molholm said.
Molholm has held a golf club since she was 5-years-old when her grandfather introduced her to the sport just for fun. He first took her and her brother to the driving range before they eventually moved to the course, sparking her love for the game.
“I like that golf is competitive yet relaxing, and it also lets you spend a lot of time outside in nature,” Molholm said.
Molholm has played on the Carlmont varsity team since her freshman year. In her senior year, she became co-captain and has helped lead the team to victories on and off the course.
“Ellie has really stepped up in the past few years to become a great player and leader for the younger girls on the team,” said Hari Kurup, head coach of Carlmont’s varsity golf team.
Molholm has set a high standard for the next generation of golfers at Carlmont, and has used her captain status to help teach them. As a captain, she has become a big mentor for the younger girls on the team and set many examples to help them in the coming years.
“Ellie is the best player on the team and helps us secure all our wins. She’s also a great person who lifts everyone up and keeps us motivated,” said sophomore Karuna Mungali.
Though her high school career has come to a close, Molholm’s passion for golf shows no sign of slowing down.
“I hope to play golf for the rest of my life consistently,” Molholm said. “I was considering playing in college, but it is such a big commitment that I’ll likely just join a golf club.”
Molholm’s hard work has led her to where she is today. She has steadily worked her way up the ranks on the Carlmont team, in the league, and even in the Central Coast Section.
“She is one of the most committed on the team, works really hard, and that pays off. That’s why the team has been so good,” Mungali said.
Even outside of the school season, she works hard to stay on top.
“I try to hit the range at least three to four times per week and play a round on the weekend,” Molholm said. “I also go to the gym and lift weights six times a week so I can hit longer shots.”
Molhom’s work in the gym has paid off, as she has become the farthest-hitting player on the team. This has helped her dominate league matches, securing second place in the PAL championship during her junior year and fourth place in her senior year.
“She has been a great leader this year,” Mungali said. “She is determined and believes in herself and her teammates.”
