Wahluke golf coach praises rookie team
The Wahluke girls golf team, from left, includes Carmen Aguilar, Esmeralda Lagunas, Itzel Guerrero, Najavy Ramirez, Zoey Nelson, and Danielle Mendoza.
DESERT AIRE — Some times it doesn’t matter what the opponents do. You just want to see your team in action.
That was the case last Thursday, when coach Tiffany Hedman brought her Wahluke High golf teams to the opening non-league match with Ellensburg and Zillah at Desert Aire.
Hedman has all new teams, one boy, six girls. They’re not just new to the team but new to the game.
The first competitive play for these youngster was Thursday. Hedman had them play only nine holes. All things considered, Hedman said the outing was a success.
“The kids did great for their first nine holes ever played,” she said. “I have a lot of hope in this team making vast improvements throughout the season.”
The scores for the Wahluke players were:
Danielle Mendoza, 61
Carmen Aguilar, 61
Esmeralda Lagunas, 70
Zoey Nelson, 71
Itzel Guerrero, 71
Najavy Ramirez, 72
Pedro Mendoza, 63
According to Hedman, these players are so new that they never picked up clubs before the start of practices.
Often new players can be a problem regarding pace of play. Hedman was careful to keep her charges moving.
“I don’t make swing adjustments during rounds,” she said. “It’s not the right time during a match. I talk to them about smart shots to hit and course management ideas.
It’s difficult for golfers who have only three weeks to have perfect form. However, Hedman has some players who understand the principles of the golf swing and are applying them.
“Golf swings are always a work in progress,” she said. “Some of my golfers have very nice-looking swings but fail to make consistent contact with the ball, whereas others have swings that are not as technically sound but make more consistent contact and have figured out what is working for them.
“A big focus is always on the short game and my kids who are scoring pretty well are developing a good short game,” Hedman added.