Girls golf team gains experience on course

Kicking off the season with a scramble and a quad, the Custer Jr./Sr. High School girls golf team got some good experience last week.
“They gained some experience, which is the important thing. A lot of them have never played 18 holes at those golf courses or even walked them. So it was important for them to get that experience,” said head coach Paul Kelley.
The girls started with the Spearfish Invitational scramble at the Spearfish Canyon Country Club April 14. Kelley said it was a good way for the athletes to experience playing in a high school meet, shake off some nerves and see what they needed to work on in a fun atmosphere.
“They didn’t have to depend solely on themselves. They had a partner with them. Overall, they were happy. They enjoyed it. It just gave them a taste for what it would be like,” said Kelley.
“A lot of people don’t realize how grueling it is. Usually, when you golf, it takes you four hours, and you’re riding in a cart. They had to go for five to six hours, walking. There’s a lot more to it when you’re playing at a competitive level,” Kelley added.
The team’s first official meet was the Hot Springs Quad at the Southern Hills Golf Course April 16. Three Wildcats were able to compete in the meet. Eighth graders Addi Kainz and Kendra Henrichs placed 12th at 124 and 15th at 126, respectively.
“It was good for them. You could see the frustration at times with them, but they showed a little maturity and just looked for the next shot,” said Kelley.
Ninth grader Maggie Lewison also competed. She placed 13th with a 124.
“I believe that was her first whole 18 holes individually. I thought she did some good things, but all of them need to work on consistency,” said Kelley.
Putting appears to be a challenge for the team this year as well. However, Kelley said Rocky Knolls Golf Course didn’t open until last week, so the girls didn’t get as much time to practice.
“It was an eye-opening experience for them. They played well. They were not disappointed with their scores, but all of them felt that they could do better. But again, you’re playing tougher golf courses and just throwing everything else into it that they had to adjust to. In that situation, they’re all on their own. They’re on an island. It’s sink or swim,” said Kelley.
Nevertheless, the goal is to gain experience and improve scores as the season progresses.
Next up, the Wildcats are heading to the Belle Fourche Pre-Black Hills Conference and Pre-Region Invite at the Belle Fourche Country Club Thursday, April 23. Since the team will be in Belle Fourche three times this year, it will be a chance for the athletes to experience the course.
“Hopefully, as we play it come region time toward the end of the season, the kids will have a lot more confidence going into that,” said Kelley. “As long as the kids are learning and progressing, we feel like we’re on track.”