The South Whidbey girls golf team is taking the season seriously.
“We are hugely deep on talent among the varsity girls,” said Falcon coach Tom Sage. “We have a realistic chance to get to state. Of course, that goal is predicated on them conquering the challenges of the short game; chipping and putting are what wins matches.
“But this group is very coachable.”
Sage has 12 girls this year, seven on the varsity team and five on the junior varsity roster.
“But there’s only six spots available, so we’ll use a qualifying round to see who’s starting,” Sage said. After the season begins, individual scores will determine who makes the cut.
Sage said he’s a firm believer in teaching kids “the attitude of gratitude,” a concept made popular by former local coach Bruce Brown.
“The idea is that high school athletics is designed, first and foremost, to build character,” Sage said. “To be able to face adversity, on the field or in the gym. Frankly, you learn more about yourself when you lose than win.”
Sage said golf is a unique sport. “There are no referees in golf, and that can lead to making some tough decisions when no one is looking,” he said. “That builds character and teaches players to referee themselves and become self-reliant; something they’ll take with them for the rest of their lives.”
Sage added that his team, due to the quality of his players and the unique venue at Useless Bay, is the one that everyone wants to play as real competition begins.
That being said, they also want to win.
“We’re good, with six seniors and I think we are taking it more seriously this year,” said Emily Lindus. “Our skill levels are similar and we get along great.”
She made a point of saying that, with Sage, it isn’t just about golf.
“He really cares about each of us, and he knows so much about the game, it’s all good.”
The girls are practicing on the sloping, rolling, winding fairways at Holmes Harbor, though matches are held at Useless Bay.
Seniors Sydney Miller, Olivia Hamilton, Morgan Thomson, Emily Lindus, Sarah Muncey-Gordon, Danyelle Leggett and junior Brandi Winn make up the core of this year’s team.
At 3 p.m. Monday, March 30, the girls welcome the Archbishop Murphy Wildcats to Useless Bay.
