Having yet to practice on an outdoor driving range or natural green, the GHS girls golf team still impressed at the season opening tournament on March 31.
The Cowboys faced high winds and tricky greens at Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction. Despite their early-season rust, the team still placed high on the leaderboard. Aiden Tomlin led the way with an astounding, eighth-place score of 85, starting her junior season with heaps of potential.
“My main takeaway is we showed what we could be capable of with day-to-day, week-to-week improvements,” said Head Coach Kevin Mickelson. “But also, we need more experience to get into tournament shape, and tournament focus.”
The girls opened their rounds with low scores on the front nine. At the turn, the Cowboys sat in third place as a team, but slowly, fatigue started to creep in. Without having the built-up endurance from consistent play, the girls started to lose strokes on the back.
Although slowing down late in their rounds, the Cowboys still showcased massive potential. Mickelson said he is excited to see how low this group can shoot, once the girls begin their routine practice schedule at Dos Rios Golf Club.
Tomlin finished top for the Cowboys, while 2024 state qualifier Faith Pederson shot a 98. Junior Kaylee Vincent and sophomore Althea Stansbery wrapped up with a 107 and 111, while Norah Abila missed out due to illness.
The Cowboys will return to action in Montrose on April 7 and 8, and will play at Cobble Creek Golf Course and Black Canyon Golf Course. The girls will host their only home tournament at Dos Rios on May 5, with tee times starting at 9:30 a.m.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@gunnisontimes.com.)
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