Golfers find teamwork in individual matches
Sofia Horsley joined OCHS golf as a junior and serves as a leader for this year's team. Her personal best is 52, but she’s aiming for a 50 this season. (Submitted Photo)
With only seven players and no home course, the Oglethorpe County girls golf team faces its share of challenges this spring.
Last season, the Patriots didn’t win or place in any tournament, but for Sofia Horsley, those obstacles are just part of the game. She’s stepping into her senior season determined to help OCHS improve and build confidence.
“My goal is to shoot under 50 in one of the matches throughout the season,” Horsley said. “That’s my main goal. And then to also be a leader on the team because I'm the only senior, so I just want to make the girls feel like they can come to me if they need any tips, or if they just want to talk.”
Horsley started playing golf last year as a way to bond with her older brother Cole before he left for college. She shot a personal best of 52.
Now, she’s embracing her role as a leader on a team with mostly underclassmen. The team of seven consists of two seniors, two sophomores and three freshmen.
While golf is often viewed as an individual sport, the team aspect still plays a crucial role in competition for Horsley. Even though players don’t physically compete alongside their teammates during matches, they rely on each other for motivation and support.
“It (an individual sport) can be challenging, because you can get in your head.” Horsley said. “So having a good team to lift you up before you go is very important.”
Traveling to various courses outside of Oglethorpe County isn’t easy for a group of high school students. Many players don’t have their own transportation, and the team often must rely on middle school golf coach John Ussery to drive them.
“If we don’t go to UGA or Elberton, and just not being able to have the full golf course at Oglethorpe, can be challenging,” Horsley said. “Because you can’t really work on your driver. You’re really just limited to putting and chipping, which those are important, but not just not being able to have the full course can be hard.”
Coach Gary Hughes is in his first season leading both the OCHS boys and girls golf teams. He understands the unique challenges his players face: limited course access, transportation hurdles and adjusting to a new program.
“(Not having a school course) definitely hurts, and I wish there was a course in Oglethorpe County that we could have to go play or even just practice at,” Hughes said.
Hughes is eager to see how the team grows — in skill and in chemistry. While he’s not there to be their “private swing coach,” he hopes to instill a deeper understanding of the game.
“My objective is to teach (them) the game and teaching strategy in terms of ‘every hole you don't need to pull out your driver,’” Hughes said. “Find a magic distance and just have fun while you're doing it.”