The Baler golf team will be teeing off in the Tri-County
Athletic League finals Monday morning.
Although the Balers, who qualified for the Central Coast Section
playoff the last two years, won’t be able to qualify as a team, a
couple players may be able to qualify individually.
The Baler golf team will be teeing off in the Tri-County Athletic League finals Monday morning.
Although the Balers, who qualified for the Central Coast Section playoff the last two years, won’t be able to qualify as a team, a couple players may be able to qualify individually.
Hillary Williams and Ashly Cullumber will go in the No. 1 and No. 2 slots for the Balers. Jenny Maheu, Corryn Pacheco, Megan Smith and Johni Kieswetter will complete the teams
Williams and Maheu are the only two seniors on the team. There are 21 players on the team this year, and coach Mark Tinder expects to have a strong team next year.
The Haybalers are also one of the smartest teams in the area. The team of 21 has a GPA of 3.33, while the starting ten weigh in at 3.7.
“We have been trying to provide the opportunity to compete,” Tinder said. “The positive aspects cary over to ever aspect of life.”
Last year the team had only 10 players but still managed to win the league title. The Balers were the only private school to get in the playoffs the last two years, Tinder said.
Ashley Basham is a freshman who is golfing in her first year this year.
“It has been fun,” Basham said. “The training has helped a lot. I have learned a lot of fundamentals.”
“She has really improved,” Tinder said. “I look for her to be a starter next year.”
Williams, the No. 1 player, is expected to do well in the league finals. Her lowest mark was a 42 at Ridgemark.
“I am excited and nervous,” Williams said about competing in the finals. “The competition is tough, but we should do well if we all have a good day.”
Williams tore an ACL in the offseason and had to undergo surgery. She said she doesn’t have any pain, and it doesn’t affect her golf game. She also hopes to get back to playing softball – her true love.
“She has the maturity of a team captain to bring cohesion to the team,” Tinder said. “That is important to keep the team together and to get them going when they are down.”
The Baler golf team was helped along by the ladies club members at Ridgemark. Many of the Ridgemark staff like Mitch Thomas, the head pro and Chris Branon, the assist pro, helped the team as well this year.
“Everyone’s been given the chance to earn a spot on the team,” said Tinder, a former US Open golfer who teaches computer applications and business at the high school. “The top ten players played. We are looking this year to invest for next.”
Players will play 18 holes, twice it is played during regular meets. The Baler conditioning should pay off, Tinder said.
“We have a lot of multi-sport talent,” Tinder said. “A lot of girls play softball. The competitive spirit shows through. The skills do carry over.”
Pacheco, Williams and Smith will all be competing in Junior NorCal golf this summer.
“I am excited,” Tinder said. “After a summer of competition, they will be ready to take their skills to a higher level next year.”
