They survived the most challenging course they’ve played on all year, now Washington’s Emily Bennett and Warner Little must try to outlast the toughest competition they’ll see all season when they travel to Long Leaf Country Club on Monday to play in the NCHSAA 2-A state tournament.
The Pam Pack golf team sent five to regional outing at the fickle Walnut Creek Country Club in Goldsboro, as Sarah Woolard, Kate Miller and Taylor Abele joined Bennett and Warner.
Washington gave a quality effort, shooting 318 as a team, however, it’s fourth place finish put the Pack one spot below the automatic qualifying cutoff.
Despite missing out on advancing as a team, Washington’s second-year coach Landon Walker said he was happy with the way his players performed.
“I’m definitely proud of them,” Walker said. “You had to average 55 all year to qualify (for the regional) and the ladies did a good job all year. We played 12 nine-hole matches, so to average a 55 is pretty good.”
Washington nearly sent three to the state tournament, but the sophomore Woolard was edged out in a four-person playoff.
“Sarah shot a 110 and the cutoff was one 110 to advance, so she had to go to a four-person, one-hole playoff where the top two advanced and she came in third,” Walker said. “Sarah came out and worked her tail off all year. She practiced all summer with her dad and she’s really committed to golf and I can tell. I’m really excited to have her for the next two years.”
Bennett, a senior who averaged a team-best 89 this season, shot a 101 to advance, while the junior Warner, who averaged a 98, clubbed a 107 to move on.
For Bennett, Monday’s state appearance will be her second straight.
“Emily is just a good leader. Last year as a junior she practiced a lot and she’s worked her tail off,” Walker said. “I’m really proud of her and hate to see her graduate.
“Her game has grown a lot. She went from shooting a 97 last year to shooting 89 this year.”
In her first appearance at state Bennett shot a 99 in soggy conditions. This year, she is hoping to benefit from that experience.
“I think (the familiarity) helps a lot,” Bennett said. “Anytime you play a course more than once you have an advantage.”
Bennett may not have the overwhelming power of some of her competitors, but her accuracy his hard to match.
“She’s not going to hit the ball really far but her skill is her ability to hit the ball really straight,” Walker said. “When’s she’s hitting it straight and accurate she’s going to be on.”
Bennett said her goal is to finish in the top 20 and in order to achieve that she has to stay focused and not get rattled.
“I have to be mentally tough and avoid big mistakes,” Bennett said.
For Little, Monday will mark the first state appearance for the junior. As a sophomore, Warner advanced to the regional tournament, but this year she was able to break through and advance.
“I was excited. I didn’t think I would make it but I did,” Little said.
With a drive that averages 225 to 250 yards, Little has the power to compete with anybody.
“When I hit the ball good I can drive it pretty far,” Little said.
The key for Little is to keep cool on the course.
“I get really nervous. I let things get in my head a lot, but if I stay calm I play a lot better,” Little said.
Walker agreed.
“Her main problem is just believing in herself,” Walker said. “Once she believes in herself she’s unstoppable. If she has a clear mental approach she’ll be golden.”
Walker said having the right mindset at state will be critical for both golfers.
“The key for Warner is that the confidence level has to be high. She has to be tough mentally. She needs to have a first good shot and not psyche her self out,” Walker said. “The key for Emily I would say is to be confident in herself. She definitely has the game to do it. If she has one bad shot she can’t let it ruin her day or the rest of her round.”