By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern
At first, the members of the South Christian varsity golf team were not sure if they would have a season. They did and this season has been one for the record books. The team has consistently placed first and second in competitions with a team currently ranked 7th in its class.
Top players have been junior Elle Bolkema and freshmen Ashley Thomasma.
“Both bring a competitive side,” coach Ben Cook said to WKTV. “They push each other and the entire team. They also play a lot of tournament golf in the summer which prepares them well for the season.”
Cook has been coaching golf at South Christian for six seasons. This year there have been many changes, mostly a result of COVID, which almost cancelled the season. Cook said through it all, he tried to keep things fun.
Recently the team placed first in regionals with 336 points and advanced to the State Championships. For the past six seasons they have made it to state and last year they placed 15th.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the girls attended the Division 3 State Championships hosted at Michigan State University. The team placed third with 330 points and Thomasma was fourth overall on the leaderboard with 75 points.
“I’m very happy with how we played,” Cook said. “It’s our best team score ever.”
Cook noted the team’s goal was to place at least fifth at the championships and they are pleased with their outcome, with him adding “We had great timing and three kids had their personal best.”
Though the season is now over the team says they are not disappointed with their outcome. They look forward to 2021 season and hope to come back stronger than ever before.
