On an important day, Makayla Mellegaard conquered a formidable adversary.
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On an important day, Makayla Mellegaard conquered a formidable adversary.
The No. 12 hole at Woods Fort Golf Course, the scene of the Class 3 District 2 tournament, is a par-4, 207-yard hole and has been something of an albatross for the Warrenton junior golfer.
Until the district tournament, that is.
Mellegaard parred the hole at the event on the way to shooting a 101, tying for 13th and, most importantly, qualifying for the Class 3 state tournament on October 19-20 at Meadow Lakes Country Club in New Bloomfield, Mo.
“The highlight for me was making par on 12,” Mellegaard said. “I’ve struggled with that hole in the past, so playing it really well for the first time felt great. On a day when I was battling nerves, that hole reminded me of what I’m capable of and gave me a reason to trust my game and keep going.”
The finish came one year after Mellegaard missed the state cut at last year’s district tournament.
Warrenton Coach Don Huff said the miss at the end of her sophomore year motivated the golfer over the last year.
“Makayla put in her work since last season ended,” Huff said. “This summer she worked on her game by practicing and competing on the junior PGA tour. She traveled to several courses and faced tough competition to test her game. During practice, she works on her skills, constantly trying to improve. Often, she stays late to get her work in.”
That work paid off when it mattered most as Mellegaard tallied pars on 12 and No. 18, a par-4, 329-yard hole.
Mellegaard said her approach, not only this season but specifically at the district tournament, has paid off.
Last year’s miss, as it turned out, actually helped her in the long run.
“Being so close last year taught me how much every stroke matters and that I can’t give up after one bad hole,” Mellegaard said. “It also showed me that qualifying for state was within my reach. I came into this season motivated to improve and finish what I started, with a better understanding of how important it is to stay focused when under pressure.”
That pressure will increase significantly now as she heads to the state tournament.
Mellegaard said her state aim is to stay within herself and control what she can.
“My goals for myself at state are to play to my potential, stay focused and confident and give my best effort on every hole,” Mellegaard said. “I want to stay calm under pressure, move forward after mistakes, and trust the work I’ve put in throughout the year. Most importantly, I want to enjoy the experience and finish knowing I gave it my best.”
