Carlmont’s girls varsity golf team shot a team score of 469 in the Central Coast Section (CCS) Championships on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch.
Last season, the Scots finished last in CCS. The team was more triumphant this year, finishing 12th out of 16 teams.
“There are many really good golf teams here. If we can finish in the middle of the pack in CCS then that is a very successful year considering how tough the competition is,” said coach Johnny Hsu.
CCS is different from regular league matches. The girls must play 18 holes instead of nine, and this can be an immense challenge for staying focused.
“The hardest challenge was making sure that my headspace was clear. Playing 18 holes, you get exhausted pretty fast. You must keep your breath and head clear,” said freshman Dakota Chang.
Chang shot a 105, finishing her sixth on the team. Despite the Scots’ nerves, they did not let that affect their performance.
“I was super nervous on the first hole. It didn’t help that I hit two shots into the hazard. I started to find my swing later on, and I was able to hit some good shots,” said freshman Kathryn Winters.
Winters started slow on the first hole but found her groove later on, posting a score of 99.
“The course is very similar to our home course, Crystal Springs. It’s hilly and has lots of deviation which makes it hard for a lot of players,” Hsu said.
According to the Winters, the 15th hole was the biggest challenge; it was a long par-four requiring a hit over a large body of water.
“Hole 15 was probably one of my worst holes. You can hit a great tee shot and still end up in danger. Unfortunately, I made that mistake,” Winters said.
The 15th hole also caused trouble for other Scots.
“15 was not my best hole, I made silly mistakes that I shouldn’t have made,” Chang said.
This was senior Kiana Flores’ last game as a Scot, and she posted a team-best score of 83.
“Kiana will be a big loss for the team. The whole season, she has been such a great leader and communicator to the rest of the girls,” Hsu said.
Hsu, a lifelong Scot who graduated in 2010, finds lots of joy in coaching golf.
“Seeing the girls develop throughout the season is always awesome to see. Kathryn has only been playing for five months; for her to play in the biggest tournament of the year is a huge accomplishment,” Hsu said.
Now that the season is over, the Scots must stay in shape to prepare for next year.
“I will keep practicing, I enjoy playing with my teammates. Hopefully, I will see them at the driving range when it’s not golf season,” Winters said.
Despite Flores’ departure, the Scots are ready for next season.
“Junior Ellie Molholm made some incredible strides this year as a golfer. She is going to be even better next year,” Hsu said.
The end of the season marks a very successful one. The Scots finished with only one loss, and are eager to finish even higher in future seasons. The Scots finished the season at the top of their league, the Penninsula Athletic Golf League (PAL).
“We have so much talent, watch out for us next year,” Hsu said.
