The 54 girls’ golfers who competed in the Ankeny Centennial Invitational on Monday could not have asked for better conditions.
“What an absolutely gorgeous day to play golf!” said Ankeny coach Seth Hagarty. “Every golfer out there today had a smile on their face and was genuinely enjoying the opportunity to play some golf!”
Centennial placed second in the nine-team field on its home course at Briarwood Golf Club. The Jaguars posted a score of 362.
“I was really happy with our play today,” said Centennial coach John Petersen. “Our score was 14 shots better than last year’s invite.”
Ankeny, meanwhile, placed seventh with a 420 total. It was the Hawkettes’ first meet of the season.
“The girls did a great job staying positive throughout their round,” Hagarty said. “With it being our first 18 holes of the year, I knew there would be some rough spots in everyone’s round, but I reminded them to take it one stroke at a time and to focus on the good things that happened each hole–whether that was making a good two-putt, having a good drive or hitting the green in regulation. Often times, we get so focused on our score and if it doesn’t go as planned we can let that negativity spread! So to counter those negative thoughts, we often talk about the successes of the hole and let that be our focus and naturally more good things will continue to happen!”
Gilbert won the meet for the third straight year. The Tigers posted six scores of 89 or better and finished with a 312 total.
Gilbert swept the top three individual places. Eden Lohrbach carded an even-par 72 to defend her individual title, while teammate Macy Underwood was the runner-up with a 76.
Centennial’s Payton Drefke placed fourth with an 82. She overcame a triple bogey on the par-5, No. 3 hole and a double bogey on the par-4, No. 16 hole.
“I thought I played decent for the first invitational this year, but could’ve definitely saved some strokes–especially on Nos. 3 and 16,” said Drefke. “I am excited to keep improving and practicing my short game to make it as consistent as possible so that a lot more strokes can be saved!”
Isabella Ross carded an 89 to lead Ankeny. She placed eighth as an individual.
“Isabella had a fabulous opening round of the season!” Hagarty said. “She had several pars and two birdies, and that was her first time posting in the 80s. I know she felt like she certainly left some strokes out there today, but I thought she putted very well all day! She only had 29 putts on her round, and I know that has been a focus for her in the offseason. All of her hard work definitely paid off today!”
Centennial’s Olivia Joensen also shot an 89. She finished 10th.
Vivian Wilson fired a 91 to place 12th for the Jaguars. Kate Geiselhart shot a 100, Adelyne Peterson had a 106, and Brooke Ridout finished with a 110.
“We know it’s early and we need to keep working, but the girls know and want to keep improving,” Petersen said. “I’m excited to see where we are at the end of the year.”
Ankeny’s Addison Smith carded a 100. Jori Webb shot a 114, Gracie Block had a 117, and Ava Sesker added a 128.
“Addison also had a very nice round,” Hagarty said. “I certainly look for her to break into the 90s consistently throughout the season! She is a great player with a tremendously positive attitude and you can tell that she is simply enjoying herself and having fun out there!”
The Hawkettes will play Johnston in a CIML Conference dual meet on Wednesday at Jester Park.
“It was clear that between the sun and the walking that we probably weren’t quite physically ready for 18 holes, but that will only get better as the season progresses!” Hagarty said. “We will look to continue to have fun and improve and hopefully this amazing weather is here to stay!”
The Jaguars will face Waukee Northwest on Thursday at Beaver Creek.
“It’s great knowing we still have a lot of room for improvement as a team!” Drefke said.