After gaining valuable experience on the state stage last season, the Lady Zizzers golf team begins anew with a roster that gives coach James Sharp plenty of reason for optimism.
The Zizzers return three golfers who competed at the Class 3 state tournament last year: Rose Reeves, Bella Juline and Dakotah Brigman. West Plains also has four players expected to contribute at the varsity level after losing just one senior to graduation.
The team features three seniors, and several returners have significant varsity experience. Sharp expects Allie Petrus and Libby Gohn to take noticeable steps forward.
Juline is another golfer to watch closely. She quit track in the spring to focus entirely on golf. Sharp noted that her commitment is showing and expects her to do a lot of good things this year.
With at least eight or nine golfers capable of competing for spots in the team score, Sharp expects healthy competition. However, the biggest challenge may come on the greens. Sharp said the team is hitting well but needs to become more reliable in the short game.
“I always emphasize the short game,” Sharp said. “You have to be able to be good around the greens, or really 100 yards and in, to score really well.”
Course management will also be crucial, particularly when the Zizzers play at Silo Ridge for the Ozark Mountain Conference tournament. Sharp wants the team to play smart, consistent golf rather than attempting "hero shots" when advancing the ball will do.
West Plains generally finished in the middle of the field or top six at tournaments last season. With improved depth, Sharp believes the team can move up the leaderboard.
“I think we have a chance to be in the top three at least, and maybe win a few,” he said.
Readers can find the full-length feature story, additional photos and season schedule in the Quill’s free 44-page Zizzer Fall Sports Preview Magazine. Copies may be picked up at area businesses and home games.
