Andover’s Tatum Ford set a clear standard for her season on the golf course: consistency, growth and team success.
“My primary focus this season was to give it my all and be the best player and teammate that I could be for myself and my team,” Ford said. “My main goal that I want to accomplish is making it to state and winning as a team.”
Ford built her game around a reliable short game, especially when pressure mounted. She pointed to her chipping and putting as key strengths that helped her steady rounds throughout the season.
“I would consider my strengths as my chipping and putting,” Ford said. “I utilize that for my team by saving par on tough holes with my chipping and putting.”
That ability to recover and limit damage showed up consistently in her results. Ford posted a season scoring average of 81.2 and produced multiple top-15 finishes, including a 76 for 10th place at the AVCTL Division 2 league meet at Terradyne Country Club and a 77 for ninth at the Andover Central Invitational at Terradyne.
She also recorded a 78 at the WCS Classic at Crestview Country Club for a tied-10th finish, a 78 at the 5A state preview at Emporia Municipal Golf Course for a tied-15th finish, and an 82 at the WCS Invitational at Tallgrass Country Club. At the I-135 Shootout, Ford posted rounds of 78 and 79 across Sand Creek Station and Hesston Golf Course.
Her postseason experience included a 94 at regionals at Rolling Hills Country Club and rounds of 81 and 79 at the Class 5A state tournament in Emporia.
Looking ahead, Ford said her offseason focus centered on refinement and composure under pressure.
“What I wanted to work on this season was my short game and my mental game,” she said. “During the offseason I practiced my short game and trying to stay focused and calm to improve my mental game.”
For Ford, success is measured both individually and collectively.
“A successful season for me would be ending the year strong in the postseason and making a good run at state,” she said. “A successful season for the team would be taking home the state championship.”
