Savannah Sandoval stated that she has been playing golf for a year now and the urge to pursue something different inspired her to try out. She started playing golf her freshman year at Ridgeview and has enjoyed playing the sport ever since.
One weakness that Sandoval says she has while playing, “is talking negatively about herself.” To overcome this weakness, she tries her best to think positively and steer away from a negative mindset. Sandoval defines success in golf as ignoring any negativity and being able to push through and play. Sandoval finds her motivation in her coach and friends. According to Sandoval, “They keep me motivated to do something in school.” The goals that she has set for this season are to shoot better, get a lower score, and overall have fun. Her plan is to work towards her goal to take her time and learn how to do things properly. She improves her skills by continuously practicing and making sure she is working on her game. Some advice that Sandoval has for people thinking about playing golf is, “that it would be good to try because it is something different.”
Another golfer who began their career as a freshman is Senior Aurora Ortega. Ortega stated that her parents inspired her to play golf so that she could possibly get a scholarship out of the sport. According to Ortega, “My dad always took me to the golf course, and I enjoyed it because it was relaxing.” One weakness that Ortega hopes to improve is not getting frustrated. To overcome this challenge, she tries to breathe to help her get through the match. One strength that Ortega has in golf is never giving up. She defines success in golf as staying motivated and always trying to keep going. Her goal this year is to score under sixty. According to Ortega the toughest team they will go against this year is Bakersfield Christian High School because they get more practice, private lessons, and more equipment. Some advice that Ortega offers to people thinking about playing golf is to join because it can help you build friendships.
Freshman Natalia Escobar stated that she was inspired to play golf by her dad. When first learning how to play the sport, she felt relaxed. This is Escobar’s first golf season as well as school year at Ridgeview. One weakness that Escobar looks to correct in golf is her using her irons correctly. She plans to develop this skill by continuously practicing. Something that is important to Escobar is doing her best so that she can feel her best. According to Escobar, “What motivates me is to be better, so that I can play better and feel better.” Escobar describes her work ethic as hardworking and finds that a few ways she can improve her skills is by practicing whenever she gets the chance. The toughest team that Escobar thinks the team will face this year is Independence High School because she has watched them practice and believes that they have a solid team. Some advice that Escobar has for anyone thinking about playing golf is to play because it is overall pretty fun, and her coach agrees.
Girls’ golf coach Brett Lemster stated that one strength that his team has this year is the willingness to keep going. According to Lemster, “I think golf is a very demoralizing sport and as long as girls can remain positive it always ends up being better for them.” The biggest challenge that the team has this year is intentional practice. He believes that every ball needs to be struck with intention, so that they can be ready for when they play on a course. Lemster was inspired to coach girls’ golf because he played and wants younger people to enjoy the game the way he does. According to Lemster, Sandoval is one of their biggest standouts this season because she has a lot of potential and her mental game is strong. This year Lemster believes that the toughest teams that the team will face this year are Highland High School and Bakersfield Christian High School because they have some really good players. Lemster says, “one way to get people interested in playing golf is not showing them that golf is not just a boring rich people sport but instead showing them that it is fun and beautiful.”
