On April 7, four Westfield players set off to Copper Hill Country Club to compete in the annual Red Devil Invitational. Their first 18-hole tournament was not without success, with junior Lily Patel placing 3rd out of 100 players and shooting a 77. Patel was also joined by juniors Ella Dolling and Peyton Harrington and senior Claire Gallagher.
“I had a couple lip-outs which didn’t really help me, but that’s just golf,” said Patel. “If that’s how your game is going to be, that’s how it’s going to be, and you have to make it work.”
To qualify for the event, each player has to have scored a 50 or below. With 23 schools and 100 players coming from all over New Jersey, the tournament is a great way for the girls to see High School golf in its finest form. “I’m proud of myself for being a part of the event,” said Dolling. “Even if I’m not the best there, it’s great to compete in it.”
As usual, the weather gave the girls no assistance. Throughout the 18 holes, they were accompanied by on-and-off showers and temperatures in the 30s and 40s. “The cold definitely got to me today,” said Dolling. “Even though I did dress accordingly, it still affected me.”
“They were conditions that I would not want to play golf in, it was tough,” said head coach Kevin Everly. “For some people, the mindset turns into, ‘I just want to get through this,’ but for our girls, they were just excited to get out and play some golf, and they didn’t give in to what a lot of people would.”
Only five matches into the season, Patel is showing no signs of slowing down. Along with competing for Westfield, Patel also participates in individual tournaments and is hoping to secure her spot in the state tournament for the third consecutive year. “I have a big tournament coming up over spring break, and knowing where my game is at now is definitely a confidence booster,” said Patel. “I’m excited for the rest of the season, my game is trending upwards.”
Westfield will face off against West Essex at Ashbrook Country Club on April 8, and are hoping to push past high winds and low temperatures for another win.
