Last season Granada Hill Charter High School’s girls’ golf team was the undefeated champions in their league, 9 wins to 0 losses against El Camino and North Hollywood. Winning in their league qualified the team to play in the league finals, which they won in addition to winning the coveted title of city champions.
While their greatest competition last season was North Hollywood, they continuously beat them, and in the last match of the season against North Hollywood, Granada won 226 to 268. This season however, their greatest competition has become El Camino, who they’ve lost against in the first game of this season.
“We had a really strong team last year, and even though many of our seniors have graduated, I hope we’ll be able to defend our winning title,” junior Ashley Chae said.
To prepare for their games, the girls practice at Knollwood Golf Course Monday through Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The girls also play on the field for additional practice before matches. However, due to the large number of players this season transportation to and from practice is difficult.
“The girls are working really hard this season and I’m very proud of them,” coach Stephen Thompson said.
The team has played and will be playing several league games against El Camino, North Hollywood, and Chatsworth at various courses such as Hansen Dam, Encino, and Balboa. In addition to these league games, they have played several teams such as Valencia, Notre Dame, and Hart High Schools for practice.
The team hopes to win the league finals and qualify for city finals and state regionals. To prepare, the top eight players go to various golf courses and practice for two to three hours each time.
“Like any sport, golf is not a sport that you can succeed in without practice. It takes hard work and dedication to be able to play well,” sophomore Julia Youn said.
In addition to the amount of practice these girls do to prepare for their games, the absence of drama and tension between team members allows the group to succeed.
“Many people think that golf is an individual sport. However, in a high school, golf is a team sport and everyone needs to contribute in order for the team to be successful,” sophomore Melody Park said.
