STATE GOLF 2018
In the college football vernacular, there’s Running Back U. Linebacker U. Quarterback U. Perhaps as many times as the Rockdale golf teams have participated in the state golf tournament, Rockdale could become Golf High.
The Lady Tigers are making their fourth straight appearance at the UIL State Golf Tournament at Grey Rock Golf Club in Austin.
Six teams return to the Class 3A section of the tournament, including 3-time defending champion Sonora, runner up Callisburg and of course third place Rockdale.
Sonora cruised in 2017, winning by 26 strokes over Callisburg and 60 shots over the third place Lady Tigers and was able to capture its third straight title.
Rockdale was just five strokes behind Callisburg after day one, but Callisburg sliced off six strokes and the Lady Tigers added 18.
It was the second consecutive year Rockdale captured the bronze medal.
For the past four years, the Lady Tigers have been guided by Lyndy Laurrell, one of the top ball strikers in the state.
Last year, Laurrell was poised to defend her state championship after blistering the course with a 74 on Monday, but ballooned to a disappointing 86 on Tuesday and had to win a playoff for third and a bronze medal.
The senior, who will play collegiately at Southwestern, is laser focused on reclaiming her state title she captured in 2016 as a sophomore.
Laurrell has won five tournaments in 2018 and is poised for another trifecta after taking medalist honors in district and regional.
All that’s missing is state gold.
“I think she is very focused this season.” Joslin said. “I know things didn’t go the way we had hoped on day two last year, but a true test of her character was how she responded and played in the playoff, coming out and winning it on the first hole. Also, how she has played and gotten ready to play each week.”
In 2017, overcast skies and a brutal crossing wind played havoc on the golfers on Tuesday after a perfectly sunny day on Monday and most scores ballooned on the 5,215-yard course.
Rockdale newcomer Trinady Joslin showed the most improvement between rounds, shaving 13 shots off her first day score.
Eve King joins Laurrell and Joslin as returnees.
Sophomores Payton Miller and Whitley Boyd are the newcomers to the quintet.
Miller has participated in just one tournament this year as a replacement for Gracye Burns.
After overtaking Cameron for the district title, the Lady Tigers ran away with regional by 47 shots over the Lady Yoe.
Rockdale golf coach Chris Joslin points out the girls have peaked at the right time.
“I feel like they are all playing their best golf of the year and some the best of their careers right now at the biggest time of the season.
“If we get off to a great start like we did at regionals, I like our chances.”
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.