Golf has always been more than a sport to me—it’s been a passion, a challenge, and a constant teacher. The road to the 2017 Missouri Golf Championship was filled with early mornings, long afternoons, missed putts, and moments of triumph. Qualifying for such a prestigious tournament didn’t happen overnight. It took years of dedication, hours of practice, and one unforgettable season that changed everything.
Falling in Love with the Game
My love for golf began when I was ten. My grandfather handed me my first club, and we spent countless afternoons at the local public course in our town. What started as a casual weekend activity quickly grew into a serious commitment. By high school, I had joined the golf team and spent nearly every free moment honing my skills. It was never just about winning—it was about improving, understanding the mental side of the game, and learning to stay calm under pressure.
Setting the Goal for the State
During the off-season in late 2016, I promised myself I would qualify for the Missouri Golf Championship in 2017. That meant refining every part of my game. I worked with my coach weekly, focusing on swing mechanics, course management, and the ever-elusive short match. My putting was the weakest part of my performance, and I knew that would be the difference-maker in close tournaments. So, I spent the winter months in indoor facilities, practicing every type of putt imaginable.
I felt more prepared than ever when the high school season began in the spring of 2017. My swing was consistent, and my mindset had shifted. I wasn’t just playing to play—I was playing with purpose. Each tournament that season became a stepping stone toward the bigger goal.
A Season of Tests and Triumphs
The early part of the season was rocky. At the first invitational, I three-putted on two holes and finished outside the top ten. It was discouraging, but it also served as a wake-up call. I realized I was letting nerves get the best of me. That next week, I worked on my mental approach as much as my technique. Breathing exercises, visualization, and creating a pre-shot routine became key parts of my practice.
With time, the results started to shift. In April, I placed second at the county invitational, followed by a solid third-place finish at the conference meet. By May, I was playing some of the best golf of my life. My drives were accurate, my irons were sharp, and my putting had vastly improved. But none of that guaranteed a spot at state. I had to perform on one specific day: district qualifiers.
Districts: The Round That Mattered Most
The district tournament was held at a challenging course about two hours from my hometown. The weather was unpredictable that day—overcast skies, gusty winds, and a chance of rain. I tried not to let it affect my focus. I reminded myself that every player was facing the same conditions.
The round began with a nervous start. I bogeyed the first hole after missing a short par putt. But instead of letting it spiral, I regrouped. I told myself to treat each hole as a fresh start. By the ninth hole, I was even par and gaining momentum. My back nine was even more potent. A birdie on the 14th and a clutch par save on the 17th helped me finish with a score of 74—good enough for third place and, more importantly, a ticket to the Missouri State Championship.
The Moment It Became Real
When I saw my name on the qualifying board, I was overwhelmed. All the hours, all the setbacks, all the effort—it had paid off. I had officially qualified for the 2017 Missouri Golf Championship. I remember calling my parents, barely able to contain my excitement. They had supported me every step of the way, driving me to tournaments, encouraging me during slumps, and cheering me on from the sidelines.
Qualifying wasn’t just about golf—it was a milestone that reflected years of personal growth. It proved to me that goals that once seemed out of reach could become reality with the right mindset and relentless effort.
Preparing for the Championship
Once I qualified, the real work began. The state championship was only a few weeks away, and I wanted to make the most of the opportunity. I played daily, fine-tuning every part of my game. My coach and I studied the championship course layout, identifying key holes and strategic landing spots. I simulated different scenarios—windy conditions, tough lies, pressure putts—so I could be mentally ready for anything.
I also spent time reflecting on how far I had come. Regardless of my place in the state, I knew I had already achieved something remarkable. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t aiming to compete hard and perform at my best.
Competing Among the Best
The Missouri Golf Championship was an experience unlike any other. The level of competition was intense, the course was in pristine condition, and the atmosphere was electric. I was surrounded by the best high school golfers in the state and felt honored and nervous to be among them.
My performance at state wasn’t perfect—I shot a 77 on the first day and a 75 on the second—but I held my own and finished respectably in the middle of the pack. More importantly, I played with heart, integrity, and focus. I left the tournament knowing I had given it my all.
Looking Back on the Journey
Qualifying for the 2017 Missouri Golf Championship remains one of the proudest moments of my life. It was the culmination of years of work and a season filled with ups and downs. It taught me the value of persistence, the power of belief, and the importance of setting ambitious goals.
Golf, like life, is full of surprises. Sometimes the ball bounces your way, and sometimes it doesn’t. But what matters most is how you respond, prepare, and grow from each experience. Teeing off at state wasn’t just about chasing a title—it was about realizing what I could, both on and off the course.