Girls ready to tee up golf season

It’s been a while since members of the Holyoke High School girls golf team have hit a ball in competition, and they’re eager to get back out on the course and play a season.

“It’s almost like starting over,” coach Nick Flaa said, since last season was canceled due to the pandemic. “We practiced for about a week before it came to a halt.”

Senior Amy Mackay, who has played on the team all four years of her high school career, is the team captain and the sole returning letterwinner. The other eight players are sophomores, meaning they didn’t get a chance to play as freshmen.

Grace Roberts and Emma Thompson were still part of the basketball team last year when spring sports were interrupted by the pandemic.

Alexie Metzger, Jimena Nuñez and Erin Andersen were also on last year’s team when the season ended before it really started.

Aspyn Kinnie of Holyoke is new to the team this year, as are Aly Lock and Grace Gibson of Haxtun.

Flaa said he is excited to see what Mackay brings to the table for the sophomores.

“I’m hoping our senior leader can pass on her wisdom,” he said, “and given her character, I know she will.”

He added that it’s also a chance for the sophomores to paint their own picture.

With a season that usually starts in the last week of February, Flaa said the weather is going to be a lot better this year. He noted that it’s hard to get better when the weather is bad.

“I’m very optimistic about what these girls can bring in the short time I’ve known them. It’s about learning this game and learning the skills for life,” said Flaa.

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