Shot through trees, over water sparked late success
By Chris Bennett
Sports Correspondent
and Mike Ramczyk
Waterford’s Taitum Beck negated two years of “almost” Monday in a WIAA Division 1 high school girls golf sectional tournament at Brighton Dale Links in Kansasville.
Beck, a senior, won a playoff and advanced to the WIAA Division 1 State Girls Golf Meet as an individual qualifier. The state meet is Monday and Tuesday at University Ridge in Madison.
Beck missed qualifying for state by one stroke in her sophomore and junior seasons. Coach Robb Shales said friends and family greeted Beck with hugs on the green after she won her second playoff hole against Janesville Parker’s Sophia Doorman. Each finished at 81 after 18 holes.
Beck said her opponent’s putt lipped out, which assured the state berth.
Beck would’ve preferred the first individual spot, but she’ll take the extra drama after narrowly missing the state tournament the past two seasons.
“The moment she missed, I just took a deep breath,” Beck said Monday afternoon via email. “I hate to win that way, but after missing two years in a row by one stroke, it was a relief.”
“I felt like I was dreaming. I made sure I shook her hand because I know how she feels. Right after, my team ran onto the green and gave me a huge hug. We were all crying. I couldn’t ask for a better team or support system. My family has been incredible.”
“It’s only a chapter in what should be a great golf career,” Shales said. “Now we turn our attention to the state tournament, where Taitum can be very competitive if she can find a way to put good rounds together.”
The top two teams and top three individuals not part of one of the top two teams advance from the sectional to the state tournament. Waterford finished fifth of eight teams with score of 386.
“It was devastating for our girls, because we had high expectations going into the meet,” Shales said. “Before we teed-off the nerves were showing up, and stayed there all day. The team finished with our highest 18-hole total of the year.”
Lauren Torhorst shot a 95, Jenna Ritzman a 100 and Maddy Anderson a 110 for the Wolverines. Milton’s Mia Seeman won individual medalist honors with a 77. Milton won the team title (336) and Union Grove finished second (356) to advance to state as teams.
Beck charged to state over a final nine in which she made the most of every shot. She scored a 41 on the front nine, and started strong on the back.
“From the get-go she started hitting God’s shots and scrambling her way to pars when she needed them,” Shales said. “Collaborating on virtually every shot and decision on the back nine definitely helped keep her calm and keep her focused on the task at hand.”
Odd shot could’ve been disastrous
On 17, a par 4, Beck had what Shales called a make-or-break moment.
Her tee shot landed outside a retention area behind a line of trees, and her best shot was within a window of eight to 10 feet.
“We decided to take the tough shot and hit a low six iron with a 140-yard forced carry over sand and water through a small gap in the trees,” Shales said. “With all the pressure and spectators around she had the tenacity to go for it and actually pulled it off. The ball was about 20 feet away and she saved another par.”
Beck said she’s ready for state and knows what needs to be fixed.
“I’m relieved and excited. It shows that all my work has payed off,” she said. “After today’s round I know what I need to practice. I know I can shoot better, now it’s just time to prove it.”
Beck said golf is often a mental struggle, as the physical can take a back seat.
Positive support from friends and family helps.
“My mental game has always been pretty strong, and I can count on it but my swing this season has really improved,” Beck said. “Staying positive helps. My parents always cheer me on, and my coach does a great job with making sure my head doesn’t get in my way.”
“I just need to get my swing back to where it was and keep my head in it.”
Beck advanced to the sectional after the Wolverines finished second Sept. 28 in a regional meet at Broadlands Golf Club in North Prairie. Waterford posted a team score of 354. Union Grove won the team title (346).
Beck won the regional’s individual title with an 80. Lauren Torhorst finished at 88, Aubrie Torhorst shot a 90 and Anderson carded a 96.
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