St Francis Senior Golfer Emily Laskin: My Summer on the Course

SACRAMENTO, Calif. ““ Senior golfer Emily Laskin has been trying to qualify for the U.S. Girls’ hosted by the United States Golf Association for four years. She accomplished her goal earlier this summer but not before some tense moments down the stretch.

Laskin, who helped the Troubadours finish sixth in the CIF State Championships last season, posted a two-over par 74 in her qualifying round at the Merced Country Club. With several groups still on the course, she had to wait to see if her score earned her a spot in the U.S. Girls’ Junior at Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Fort Wayne, Ind.

“Based on the past results, I thought I was going to be good to qualify,” said Laskin. “There were five spots available and it was nerve-wracking for sure.”

When the final group finished, the Elk Grove native learned she would have to take part in a playoff with three players vying for two spots. They headed back out on the course.

“I was the only one who missed the fairway and I was amped so I flew it over and I missed the green,” said Laskin, who was left with a par putt to qualify. “I was confident because I had that exact same putt in the morning when I played”¦I took a deep breath and made the putt. It was overwhelming at first and I was in shock giving the girls hugs.”

Former Troubadour Ashley Noda caddied for Laskin, helping make the moment even more memorable.

At the event in Indiana, Laskin tied for 133^rd after rounds of 81-85 to finish 13-over par and failed to make the cut to the match play portion of the event. But the experience was special.

“Junior Girls was something I am sure I will never forget” recalled Laskin, who played with a 15-year old from Mexico and a 16-year old from Texas. “I did not feel nervous going into it but there was something in the back of my mind because I did not play as well as I wanted to. I took a lot out of it, made some new friends and enjoyed the experience.”

Laskin had one final tournament before returning to school this week.  She played in the Girls Junior America’s Cup held July 30-August 1 at University of New Mexico golf course in Albuquerque. Laskin was part of Northern California team that finished fourth out of 18 teams representing 11 states and Mexico and Canada. The other players included Mabel Wong, Sam Hutchinson and Amanjoty Sangha.

“It was competitive but it was relaxed,” said Laskin. “There were four of us from northern California, including two juniors and a sophomore. It was fun to spend five days with them.”

Laskin returned to the course again this week for the golf team tryouts with her new experiences in her bag.

The Troubadours open Delta River League play against Ponderosa on Sept. 4. 

Steven Shaff

Assistant AD/Sports Information

St. Francis High School

916-737-5038

928-606-6628 (cell)

[email protected]

http://www.stfrancishs.org/