Moments before teeing off at the Class 3A State Golf Tournament at Broadlands Golf Course in Broomfield on May 22, freshman Kiara Lingenfelter listened as an announcer introduced her to a large gallery via a loud speaker.
It was at that moment that the Dove Creek High School student, who competes as a member of the Dolores High School girls’ golf team, realized that she was competing in one of the most prestigious prep golf events in Colorado.
“I was really nervous, especially on the first day, because I didn’t know they would give me a whole introduction,” Lingenfelter said. “I didn’t know so many people would be watching us when we teed off.”
In spite of her nervousness however, Lingenfelter played well in the two-day tournament, finishing 39th in the 84-player field after shooting a first-round score of 107 and a second-round score of 102.
The freshman’s results were especially impressive in light of the fact that she had relatively no experience with competitive golf prior to this season.
“I started playing when I was about six,” Lingenfelter said. “My stepbrother introduced me to golf and I wanted to be exactly like him. My grandpa was really into golf and he was ecstatic to see that I was playing.”
Asked about the keys to her performance at state, Lingenfelter mentioned the coaching and support that she has received from multiple individuals, including coaches Monica Plewe, Todd Plewe, and Micah Rudosky.
Lingenfelter also went out of her way to thank Dove Creek math teacher, baseball coach, and experienced golfer Curtis Garver, who coached Lingenfelter at the state tournament.
“(Garver) was amazing and he helped me in so many ways,” Lingenfelter said. “The second day, he really straightened out my drives and I felt like I played one of my best rounds of the season. I had an amazing experience.”
In terms of her future on the links, Lingenfelter said that she plans to practice consistently over the summer in hopes of shooting an 18-hole score of less than 100 and returning to the state tournament next year.
The freshman, who earned straight A’s during her first year of high school, also plans to continue working hard in the classroom.
“As a golfer, I would like to improve my putting and become a better sport because I do get frustrated and I’m kind of hard on myself when I’m not having a good day,” Lingenfelter said. “I also love reading, and would read all day, every day, if I could.”
“I’m really into academics and I play to get straight A’s through the rest of high school.”