Greg Schade

Su points to her scores that earned her fifth place.

On Oct. 12 and 13, senior Rebecca Su competed in the girls golf state championship tournament for the third year in a row.

The tournament took place at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield, MO.

Out of 91 girls, Su placed fifth overall with a score of 74 on the first day and 78 the second.

“It was different this year, because last year I had my teammate Mia Walton competing with me. I was lonelier this year, but more focused on playing. It just wasn’t as fun,” Su said.

Last year, Su placed 14th in the state tournament, which took place at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin, MO.

“Rebecca has definitely improved over the years. Her sophomore year she placed 27th at state, last year 14th, and this year she improved to fifth. Finishing fifth is a big deal, and I’m very proud of her for it,” golf coach Greg Schade said.

Su scored a 77 at the districts tournament at Aberdeen Golf Club, then an 80 at Forest Hills Country Club.

“I really admire Rebecca for her work ethic and passion for the sport. She’s a great leader,” junior Mia Walton said. “She takes responsibility for the entire team and always makes sure everyone is prepared.”

Su improved by practicing more than usual over the summer. She played in several tournaments over the summer including the Missouri Women’s Golf Association Tournament, where she scored a combined 165 over two days. She also played in the USGA Junior Qualifier, where she scored an 84.

“Rebecca is a really hard worker. She has talent, but what got her this far was her dedication, work ethic, and persistence,” Schade said.

Su earned the spot of Conference Player of the Year in the Suburban South Conference.

“Being conference player of the year was not really something I expected to happen, but Coach Schade and Coach Bertram made it special for me when they announced it in front of the whole team. It was a really nice surprise and I am glad my team was with me when I found out,” Su said.  

Schade attended the state tournament along with Su to support her.

“I walked along and watched her. I gave her advice while she was playing and was there for her when she needed someone to talk to. Golf is one of those sports where the coaches aren’t constantly in the player’s ear. Most of the time golfers prefer to be left alone,” Schade said.

Su plans on continuing her golf career in college, but has not decided where she will play.

“Knowing that this was my last season playing for this team was bittersweet,” Su said. “It’s nice to know we came a long way from where we started, but it’s also sad because I won’t ever get to experience playing on this team again.”