Keith Taylor/ktaylor@winchestersun.com Clark junior Taylor Ritchie watches the ball after attempting a putt in the girls 8th Region Tournament last week at Canewood Golf Course. Ritchie shot a 106 in the opening round of the girls state tournament Tuesday.
Taylor Ritchie didn’t make the final cut in the girls state golf tournament, but added a memorable experience to her prep career.
Ritchie shot a 106 in the opening round of the state event at the Bowling Green Country Club Tuesday afternoon, ending a fun run for the George Rogers Clark junior. Ritchie’s scorecard included six bogeys and two pars, both of which occurred on the last four holes. She opened her round on the back nine and finished with a 56, but rebounded with a 50 on the final nine holes. The two-day event concludes today in Bowling Green.
Ritchie qualified as an individual after shooting an 88 during the 8th Region Tournament last week at Canewood Golf Course in Georgetown and became the first Clark player to compete in the state event in nine years. Meredith Johns qualified as an individual in 2003.
Ritchie was scheduled to play an 18-hole practice round at the course Monday, but only played 10 holes because of inclement weather, cutting into Ritchie’s preparation time.
“It was very tough,” Baldwin said. “It rained close to an inch and a half (Monday) and there was standing water in some places on the course and in a lot of the bunkers, which they played as casual water. It rained again (Tuesday) morning. It wasn’t a heavy rain, but it rained through at least 12 or 13 holes maybe. Those conditions alone made it tough.”
In addition to the weather elements, Baldwin said the bermuda rough also made it difficult at times.
“The bermuda rough were vicious,” the Clark coach said. “Not having to practice (in the bermuda rough), it was a challenge. It was a fantastic learning experience.”
Baldwin said Ritchie didn’t display the first-time jitters and wasn’t overwhelmed by the experience.
“I’m sure she was a little nervous, but it didn’t show,” she said. “She didn’t let any bad shots take her out of her game. If she had a bad shot, she was able to keep trying again, which was good. On the holes where she didn’t stay in the fairway, she would get in that rough and it was a challenge. Several shots were wasted trying to (get out of) the rough.”
In addition to Baldwin, six of Ritchie’s teammates provided support on the course.
“It was good for them too, to see course, since they have it there every year, but also see how talented some of the golfers really are and what the next level looks like,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin was happy Clark was represented in the two-day event and is looking forward to next season.
“I’m very proud of (Taylor) for getting there,” Baldwin said. “Next year, our goal is to either get there as a team or have more than one (player) get there.”
Ritchie shot a 106 in the opening round of the state event at the Bowling Green Country Club Tuesday afternoon, ending a fun run for the George Rogers Clark junior. Ritchie’s scorecard included six bogeys and two pars, both of which occurred on the last four holes. She opened her round on the back nine and finished with a 56, but rebounded with a 50 on the final nine holes. The two-day event concludes today in Bowling Green.
Ritchie qualified as an individual after shooting an 88 during the 8th Region Tournament last week at Canewood Golf Course in Georgetown and became the first Clark player to compete in the state event in nine years. Meredith Johns qualified as an individual in 2003.
Ritchie was scheduled to play an 18-hole practice round at the course Monday, but only played 10 holes because of inclement weather, cutting into Ritchie’s preparation time.
“It was very tough,” Baldwin said. “It rained close to an inch and a half (Monday) and there was standing water in some places on the course and in a lot of the bunkers, which they played as casual water. It rained again (Tuesday) morning. It wasn’t a heavy rain, but it rained through at least 12 or 13 holes maybe. Those conditions alone made it tough.”
In addition to the weather elements, Baldwin said the bermuda rough also made it difficult at times.
“The bermuda rough were vicious,” the Clark coach said. “Not having to practice (in the bermuda rough), it was a challenge. It was a fantastic learning experience.”
Baldwin said Ritchie didn’t display the first-time jitters and wasn’t overwhelmed by the experience.
“I’m sure she was a little nervous, but it didn’t show,” she said. “She didn’t let any bad shots take her out of her game. If she had a bad shot, she was able to keep trying again, which was good. On the holes where she didn’t stay in the fairway, she would get in that rough and it was a challenge. Several shots were wasted trying to (get out of) the rough.”
In addition to Baldwin, six of Ritchie’s teammates provided support on the course.
“It was good for them too, to see course, since they have it there every year, but also see how talented some of the golfers really are and what the next level looks like,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin was happy Clark was represented in the two-day event and is looking forward to next season.
“I’m very proud of (Taylor) for getting there,” Baldwin said. “Next year, our goal is to either get there as a team or have more than one (player) get there.”
