The girls meet on the putting green for their regular practice. Sometimes they work individually to focus on fixing a bad stroke or weak grip. But the best practices are the group workouts because that’s when the girls get to have a good time together while helping each other improve their game at the same time.

The girls golf program has seen many changes recently, especially when it comes to competition. Qualifying for a spot in tournaments is more difficult now since there are more girls to beat out for a position on the team. Unlike the last couple of years where there were just one or two girls to battle against for a spot on the team, this year there is a much larger group of girls.

Gaining new players has not only strengthened the girls relationship, but it has created new and exciting friendships too. Junior golfer, Macey McConathy, is is thrilled to have different teammates to interact with this year and says that having a diverse group of girls helps to create a more fun and lively atmosphere during practices and tournaments.

“When I was a freshman the team was disoriented and in a couple of separate groups,” said McConathy. “But now it’s one big group and I know it’s cliche to say ‘we’re one big happy family’ but it really is that way.”

Macy has witnessed the growth of the girls team over the course of three years and has noticed a positive shift among the players relationships. In order to keep the momentum going among the team, the girls have found unique ways to show their support and appreciation for one another during the season.

“One of our teammates makes us bows before every tournament,” said McConathy. “And we have team dinners a day or two before the tournament. It’s just nice because you get to relax and have a good time with the people you’ve been competing for spots with.”

While it has traditionally been recognized as a gentlemen’s sport, golf is growing in popularity with female players. Junior Maddie Spear is excited to see such substantial growth in the program. The newfound relationships has connected the team more than ever before.

“We’ve all gotten really close,” said Spear. “Also the program is really competitive now, so we have a lot of good players. I don’t know why more haven’t joined in the past.”.

As the girls work hard to represent Marcus in local tournaments, the change has not gone unnoticed concerning the attitudes of the players. The idea of togetherness and persistence has encouraged the girls to push forward.

“You wouldn’t think so, but golf is a team sport as well as individual,” said Spear. “If you have a good bond with your team, you want to do well for each other which makes the team’s score go down.”