The tack that head coach Don Painter will be taking with the
2006 Bradford girls golf team is a simple one – be playing better
golf at the end of the season than at the outset.
To accomplish that goal, the Lady Owls have been sticking to
basics like swing maintenance, the short game and course
management.
“We’ve been working on finding trouble spots in our swings and
looking for ways that we can hit the ball straighter – keeping the
ball out of trouble and more in play to eliminate unnecessary
strokes,” Painter commented.
In fact, the girls only played their first real round of golf
after a week of practice at hitting range balls, polishing play
around the greens and studying the rules of the game.
Painter will be brushing up his skills as a coach at the same
time his golfers are refining their skills as players. He is
returning to coaching after a three-year hiatus from the helm.
An avid golfer himself, Painter had been the coach of the
Bradford boys team until 2003 when he stepped down after the Owls
won their league.
“I’m taking an entirely different approach with this team,”
Painter stated. “The girls listen to what I have to say and we’ve
made some progress in a short period of time. They’ve been willing
to work on what I’ve instructed them to do.”
The Lady Owls have three letterwinners returning to key the
charge. They are senior team captain Olivia Brown and sophomores
Andrea Burkhouse and Kristina Howard.
Rounding out the team are senior first-year player Tara Yohe and
freshmen Oliva Chapman and Meghan Horner.
“Four of the players took part in the junior program at Pine
Acres and are active golfers,” Painter noted. “I’m encouraged by
the younger talent on the team. They look like they are excited
about the game and are excited about getting better.
“I expect our league to be competitive,” Painter continued. “No
matter what scores we shoot, our players will still have a chance
to score points for the team.”
Painter also emphasized that any girls interested in playing may
still join the team, regardless of playing experience. To do so,
contact him at 363-9292.
The team opens play at the Pine Acres Country Club at 10 a.m.
Monday against DuBois.
