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Newby returns to Washington Regional looking to enjoy, improve on last year’s round
For a second-straight year, Alie Newby will represent South Putnam at the IHSAA Washington Girls’ Golf Regional.
The only difference this year will be that Newby will be doing it solo, having attended last year’s regional with older sister Madie, the younger Newby shooting 99 to the elder sister’s 100.
“We went (Tuesday) to play a practice round and I got to see the course again,” Newby said about preparations for the regional, which takes place this Saturday. “I remembered a lot from last year and it got me excited to play again.”
Newby, who advanced from the Northview Sectional with the lowest non-qualifying team score of 93, had not played at Country Oaks GC, the regional golf site, before last year but said the round was pretty solid overall.
“I had never really played a course like that before,” Newby said about attending the regional as a junior. “It was a harder course than I’m used to but I feel I did pretty well for myself last year.
“I shot 99 and my goal is to stay under 100 again this year.”
To accomplish said goal, Newby said she would rely on better skill off the tee and on the green, as well as not worrying so much about being a regional qualifier in the first place.
“Definitely my putting,” Newby said. “My game off the tee has also improved since last year.
“Last year, I was nervous and felt I was putting a lot of pressure on myself. This being my last year, and probably my last round of high school golf, I want to go out there, have fun and improve from last year.”
The difference between the regional course and others was the amount of elevation changes through the round according to Newby.
“Country Oaks has a lot more hills than Forest Park, which is the other 18-hole course that I’ve played,” Newby noted. “It’s got a lot more water and trees. It’s one of the prettier courses I’ve been able to play.”
Having come back from knee surgery in the spring to be able to play golf as a senior, handling the rolling course conditions was a challenge Newby said she was mentally ready for.
“After the first nine holes, I’ll probably be a little sore,” Newby said in reference to walking a more demanding course. “I won’t let that affect my mental game, at least.
“Recovering from surgery and getting right back into golf has taught me a lot about my mental game. It’s important to stay focused and work through all the struggles that come up. I’m going to try my best to not let it hinder me.”
While realistic about the round possibly being her last, Newby said she was looking forward to getting another crack at Country Oaks and enjoying the round with family and friends watching on.
“I want to have a really good time and enjoy my family coming down to support me,” Newby said. “I’ll also enjoy playing with new people that I’ve never gotten to play with before.”