No Western Slope high school can boast the combined success that the Panthers golf programs have enjoyed in the past several years.
With another season with high hopes underway for the Montezuma-Cortez girls squad, the Panthers look to make the state tournament into an annual tradition.
So far, the streak keeps growing, after M-CHS landed three individuals in the state championships a year ago, and enter the 2023 spring with plenty of ambitions, as two qualifiers get set to lead the Panthers this season.
Under second-year head coach Travis Wright, they looked to continue their standing atop the 3A Region 4 standing, kicking off the season with a team title at the Shiprock Invitational at Riverview Golf Course in Kirtland, New Mexico.
Leading the way, two-time state qualifier Chesnie Patrick – who took 27th a year ago in the state championships – picked up the top Panthers performance in the field, shooting a 91 in windy conditions.
“Chesnie had such a good year last season,” said the Panthers’ head coach, “and she has her sights set high for another really good year – she’s become one of the top golfers in the state.”
Meanwhile, senior Ashlyn Hall posted a 100 to open her season, a year after taking 56th in the 3A tournament.
“We’re seeing a lot of leadership from our upperclassmen,” said Wright. “Ashlyn’s always the first one to practice and the last to leave – and that speaks to her commitment to keep improving.”
Newcomer Amita Crowley began her high school golf career with a 94, helping the Panthers to a total of 285, and their first title in a season with hopes for many more. Last year, the Panthers bested the regional field with a scoring average just north of 300 per tournament, and hope that they can continue to drop that total.
Freshman Afton Unrein (108) and senior Anna Lawrence (128) rounded out the Panthers scoring in the invitational as the Panther depth looks to make them a dangerous team this spring.
With the weather improving, and the Panthers now with more access to Conquistador for regular practice, the Panthers look to refine their game for the busy season ahead. “It’ll be about refining the short game, since that’s where they’ll score,” added Wright, “so we’ve spent a lot of time dedicated to chipping and putting. More than that, though, we’ve really dedicated a lot of focus on the mental aspect of the game, learning how to stay focused even after a bad shot or a tough round.”
Last spring, the Panthers claimed 14th as a team in the state championships, and now have visions of climbing into the top 10 this year.
A trip to Hillcrest Golf Club on Monday, April 17, precedes the lone home invite this year for Wright’s group, as the Panthers take on the field at Conquistador Golf Course on Tuesday, April 18. Trips to Grand Junction and Montrose in early May help the Panthers get primed for the regional and state tournament, with the latter being hosted by Aspen Golf Course on May 30-31.
