The state tournament experience is something that Tyler Parratt will use to make herself a better golfer this season.
The Manitou Springs junior returns to the team as the lone state qualifier from last year and, after seeing how the top-line players made their way around Elmwood Golf Course, has put in the work to put herself in a spot to compete.
“I’ve been playing twice to three times a week,” she said. “And I work at a golf course. I play a whole heck of a lot.”
The Mustangs qualified two girls for state last year, with Sierra Dooley being the other. But since Dooley graduated, Parratt is the only player with a lot of experience returning to the team. That certainly helps coach Ken Vecchio as he can lean on her to set an example for girls who want to play at a level that will get them to state this season.
“That always helps when you have girls that are returning from state,” Vecchio said. “They can show some of the other girls what’s in store for them. We have a chance to have a couple that can make a run at it, depending on how things play out.”
The good news for Vecchio and the Mustangs is that there’s a little time to get some work in before competition really ramps up.
They’ll open the season on March 29 at the TCA Invite at Cherokee Ridge, which will be an easy course to play in a first tournament. Parratt is anxious to get going, especially after the experience of playing at state and having the desire to get back there.
“It’s great to be back here with all the girls,” she said. “Knowing I can go to state is going to push me to get back there this year.”