Photo courtesy of Daphney Sproles
By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Competitive golf, legend Bobby Jones once quipped, “is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course, the space between your ears.” Bedford North Lawrence freshman Ellie Horton is starting to figure out how true that comment can be.
Horton carded four pars on the front nine of Otis Park during Monday’s home debut, and she was one of three Stars to post a score of 47. Some felt better about that number than others. The total that mattered most was BNL’s 191 team tally during a dual-match loss to New Albany.
Paced by Kennedy Lee’s 4-over 41, the Bulldogs recorded a 177-191 victory as the Stars took a step backward from recent improvement. Horton, Chloe McFaddin and Kenley Craig all came to the clubhouse with those identical 47s for BNL.
“A rough night,” BNL coach Kori Johnston said. “It was our first showing at home, and some of them were disappointed in their scores. I know they can do better, they know they can do better. We’ll get them next time.”
How can the same scores create different responses? Attitude and expectations. Horton, who can be her own worst enemy with self criticism, viewed the four pars (holes, 1, 4, 5 and 7) as positives.
Photo courtesy of Daphney Sproles
“Toward the end, my confidence got so much better,” Horton said. “I let loose and played better. It’s my mental state. I need to work on myself. As soon as I get there, I will start to shine.
“I was so nervous, being the only freshman in the starting five is a lot of pressure, especially when you’ve been wanting to play for so long. I’ve looked up to all these girls forever, and getting to play with them is just so fun.”
“The worst part of her game is the mental part,” Johnston said. “She beats herself up. Once she realizes she can be a really good player, it will all come together.”
Daphney Sproles completed BNL’s scoring with 49.
Livvy Bogdon posted a 42 and Sarah Jefferson added a 44 for the Cougars.
BNL will visit Seymour on Tuesday.
New Albany 177, BNL 191
New Albany – Kennedy Lee 41, Livvy Bogdon 42, Sarah Jefferson 44, Maddie Daniel 50, Avery Carroll 56, Kate Daniel 53
BNL – Chloe McFaddin 47, Kenley Craig 47, Ellie Horton 47, Samatha Biel 50, Nora Howat 58, Daphney Sproles 49, Bella Landstrom 54, Jasmine Nguyen 68, Jayla Brewer 70, Alex Nubbie 57, Madi Crane 74
