Central Oregonian

Linksters ready for start of season

Cowgirls return just two players with varsity experience

Lon Austin

March 11, 2013

The Crook County Cowgirls are perennial golfing powers.

The team has had a string of state tournament trophies, including a second place finish a year ago.

Still, when the Cowgirls tee off at Crooked River Ranch this Wednesday there are several unknowns.

“We are going to throw them to the wolves,” head coach Grant Patterson said about playing a tournament so early in the season.

Just one player from last year’s second place finish is still on the roster, and only two Cowgirls have any varsity experience.

Chelsea Shank, who shot a 102-103 — 205 at state a year ago is expected to lead the squad, while Caitlyn Dalton also has limited varsity experience.

Patterson added that the team also has some players with JV?experience from last year as well as some solid newcomers.

Although much of the team has limited tournament experience, Patterson is still enthusiastic about how the team is doing so far.

“We have seven to nine that are fighting for varsity spots,” he said. “They are competitive and they have worked hard in practice. They are going after it. I’m excited with what I’m seeing.”

The team tees off at Crooked River Ranch at noon tomorrow, along with Bend, Mountain View, Summit, Redmond, Ridgeview, and Madras.

Following tomorrow’s match the team has a week of practice before returning to the links at Juniper Golf Club in Redmond on Wednesday, March 20. All seven Central Oregon teams are once again expected to compete in the tournament.