This year I am starting my second season of golf team at PCM. Last year did not go as planned for me. I was a freshman so it was my first year on the team but I have been playing since I was little so for the season to go as poorly as it did it hurt me. To say the least I was not playing like myself. So this year I decided to do things differently to become stronger. I have been out playing a lot before the season started. I also have been practicing in my golf simulator at my house when I could not go outside and play. We have had three meets and it so far has gone fairly well. I am obviously not playing how I would like but I am limiting my crappy shots and increasing my distance. In the first two meets I scored a 51 both times. Compared to last year my best score for a nine hole was 61, I shaved off ten strokes. In the rounds I have played at meets or for fun I have been doing much better than last year. It also helps I have new clubs and I have a better mindset going into this season. I am better prepared for the mental strain golf brings on me and I’m learning to just enjoy myself. One problem I do have is my arm. If I play golf too much my wrist and shoulder start to have sharp pains. It’s a struggle but after some rest and ice it starts to feel better. Myself is also my biggest challenge. I am always beating myself up after a bad shot and sometimes it’s hard to keep playing. However the times that my brain shuts off and I stop thinking during my swing are the times my swing and hit are the best. It is just so hard to turn off my brain sometimes, I think a lot. I have been working so incredibly hard to do what I can. I have focused on my swing and technique. I have worked on chipping and putting. I have tried new things, some that have worked, others that have not. A dream of mine is to play in college at a division one school. I can’t help but think I won’t make it and if it is for the best. Though I am only a sophomore I like to plan my future out but this is one thing I have no clue what will happen, if I will continue golf or just play for fun. While I cannot control the future I am planning to enjoy the rest of this season and embrace the challenges and success I face.
Keepin’ up with Kayla
Kayla VanderLinden, Staff Writer
May 17, 2025
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About the Contributor

Kayla VanderLinden, Staff Writer
I’m Kayla VanderLinden. I am a sophomore at PCM. This is my second semester of journalism because last year I could only be in journalism for one semester. I am on the PCM dance team, and I’m on the golf team. I am also in DECA for the first time. My goals for this year, like always, are to get all A’s and to improve in everything I do. The reason I joined journalism is because I love to write and tell stories. I’m excited to see how my first full year goes.