In 1999 when Lakewood High School formed a girls golf team, all of the golfers came in with no experience and no formal training. Its taken coach Chris Walster some time to build up the program but the results are beginning to take shape.
More and more of his proteges are entering high school with previous golfing experience in the form of summer camps and clinics. Currently the program is on the upswing as the seriousness of the girls increases.
We have back all the players from the previous year. Wed like to represent ourselves a little bit better. As a whole the girls are treating it more seriously instead of using golf as a way to get a P.E. waiver or a tan.
Nobody is getting a tan outside right now, as the team prepares for its next match against Sultan on March 29. Walster preaches the importance of the short game, especially given the length of home course Kayak Point.
We need to score low once we reach the greens because it is tough to hit greens in regulation out here, said Walster.
Senior Alicia Parks thinks highly of this years group, Weve got two newbies and five returners from last year. The young players are raw but talented.
Perhaps the most talented young player is sophomore Peyton Maisel. Maisel, a sophomore three sport athlete, will challenge for the No. 1 spot.
Despite the talent on this years team, Walster remains cautious with his forecast for the group. Were competing against some tough schools. We still tend to have kids that are trying golf for the first time, said Walster.
Her coach may be guarded, but senior Jennifer Overman did not hesitate when predicting success for the season, I think if you watch the team you can see us improving all the time. We feel more comfortable every day.
As the weather improves, so does the team. That could spell trouble for the Cougars opponents this season.