For Newton’s Naomi Koontz, her senior golf season is about competing with her teammates, returning to the state tournament and making the most of one final season with her father as her coach.
Koontz is especially looking forward to competing at Sand Creek Station, the Railers’ home course. Newton’s home tournament was rained out last season, making this year’s event something Koontz is eager to experience.
“I am really excited for this golf season and playing with my teammates again,” Koontz said. “It’s my senior year and I think we will have a lot of fun!”
Koontz enters the season after a busy offseason of tournament competition. She played in several Oklahoma Junior Tour events, Central Links events in Kansas and AJGA tournaments. She also competed in large tournaments in California and North Carolina during the summer.
Along with tournament experience, Koontz has focused on improving her strength and swing speed.
“I’m always working on getting stronger and hitting the ball further to help improve my game,” Koontz said.
Those areas became an even bigger focus after an injury kept Koontz from playing for much of last high school season. Now fully recovered, she is looking forward to having the opportunity to compete throughout the entire season.
“I’m glad I’m fully recovered from that so I can play in every tournament this year,” Koontz said.
Koontz already has plenty of accomplishments to build on. She averaged 72.3 strokes last season, set a course record with a 63 at Turkey Creek and finished third at the state tournament.
With Newton reaching state last season, Koontz hopes to help the Railers make another trip this year.
“Our team made it to State last year so our goal is to do that again,” Koontz said.
Individually, Koontz wants to save her best golf for the biggest stage. She has set a goal of lowering her scoring average into the 60s and playing her best at state.
But beyond the scores and tournament results, Koontz has another reason to make her senior season memorable. Her father is her high school coach, giving the final season an added significance.
“My dad is also my high school coach so I just want to have a great last season with him,” Koontz said.
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