The technical aspects of golf mean that in order to be successful, repetition is key.

PRC’s Head Golf Coach Shelly Dill said golf isn’t a sport that an athlete can just pick up and be good at.

To perfect the techniques takes hours of practice, and her golfers are putting in those hours during the summer months. The summer is technically the offseason for golf, but also serves as a time to improve before the season starts.

Dill said that some of her girls are participating in tournaments in order to keep their form. The summer months also allow the girls to teach younger golfers the best way to go about things.

As part of a program through the Kelly Gibson Junior Golf Tour, Dill said her girls get the opportunity to mentor new golfers.

This includes working on their swings, pacing, and etiquette on the course.

“It’s quite an eye opener, they’re a team too,” Dill said “Being able to teach somebody else is an awesome thing.”

The girls are hardworking in multiple aspects, and Coach Beverly Griffing said their dedication is why they’re able to perform well.

“Most successful athletes continue to practice in the offseason to gain an edge,” Griffing said. “Giving up part of a summer is the price to pay for recognition.”

The work they do during the summer months is what will determine success or failure on the course next year.

“You’re learning something every day, every little bit you do is going to pay off in tournaments,” Dill said. “Practicing every day doesn’t do anything but make you better.”

Dill recognizes there’s a financial aspect to golf just like any other sport that can affect practice time.

“The school pays for time on the course, but during the summer it’s in the parent’s hands,” Dill said.

Dill and Griffing understand that their job as a coach is not only to mold the player, but also help shape the person.

Sports can add stress to the life of a high school student, and Griffing said that being a coach means helping their athletes cope with that stress.

“Being a coach means taking care of the sporting side as well as taking care of their mental health,” Griffing said.

“We work hard, but we make sure that there is fun involved also.”

Griffing said that this work leads to the more seasoned players mentoring the younger players.

Having that experience can help the veteran athletes understand how far they’ve come, and have a sense of accomplishment.

“The younger ones see what they can achieve with hard work and dedication,” Griffing said.

“And they know they have someone to help them.”