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Harford seeks another crown
This weekend won’t be Haylee Harford’s first trip to Columbus for the girls state golf tournament, but it will be her first as an individual and as a representative of LaBrae High School.
Harford qualified her freshman year as a member of Warren JFK’s girls team. But after sitting out a year and a disappointing end to last season, she’s ready to reclaim what was once hers.
The LaBrae senior had back-to-back eagles on her way to a 4-under par 68 in last week’s Division II district tournament at Tam O’Shanter Hills Course in Canton.
Her low round earned her the overall medalist honors and a return trip to the state tournament.
“It’s been one of my goals to go back and win this year,” Harford said. “I had a few going into this season, but this is definitely the biggest one.”
As a freshman, Harford won the state tournament.
However she opted for national tournaments instead of high school golf her sophomore year, which turned out to be a great decision for her future.
“I actually found my college that way, because I went to a tournament at Furman University,” said Harford, who made a few return trips before deciding that’s where she wanted to play her college golf.
“It’s kind of hard to believe, but I’m definitely excited for what’s going to happen down there — plus I’m gonna be in warmer weather,” she said of the South Carolina school.
Last season was one Harford was ready to forget. She missed out on qualifying for the state tournament by one stroke.
While she was quick to move on, Harford made sure she channelled her frustration into something positive.
“I was pretty upset, but everybody has a bad day so I just kind of moved on and took it as a learning experience and I’ve built my game from that,” she said.
When she tees it up on Ohio State’s Gray Course on Thursday, Harford will have a loud, noticeable cheering section following her. Friends and family wore T-shirts that read “Team Harford” around the course.
And she doesn’t mind if they make a little noise while she’s out there, either.
“I actually play better when I’m relaxed,” Harford said. “I think once you get too serious and you’re thinking too much, for me, it gets overwhelming and I don’t really perform as well.”
Joining Harford in Columbus will be Lakeview’s girls team. Kaylee Neumeister shot a 77 to lead the Bulldogs to a Division II district team title last week.
According to their coach, Mike Turco, it’s the unsung heroes that have helped them reach this point.
“The two that don’t get talked about a lot are Ashley Frasca and Taylor Horn,” Turco said. “They have done so much for this team, just like Ryan [Rosenberger] and Kaylee.
“Ashley shot her career-low at district and I’m so proud of how her game has come full circle for the team at this point.”
Lakeview finished seventh in last year’s state tournament. This year, the Bulldogs would really like to lower that number and their coach says they have the confidence to do it.
“We sort of reset our goals prior to the postseason,” Turco said. “They were pretty confident going into districts and they all came to play.
“Hopefully that translates this week.”