Jones making third state appearance for girls golf
Daily Globe Sports Editor
After a drop in numbers for the girls golf program, Nicole Jones found a welcoming home on the Shelby boys squad.
With the Lady Whippets down to just two players for the 2020 season, Jones helped the boys team to a runner-up finish in the Mid Ohio Athletic Conference.
Now the SHS junior will put her individual talents on display during the Division II State girls golf tournament to take place at the Ohio State University Gray Course Friday and Saturday.
This will be Jones’ third trip to the state tourney. The past two seasons she was part of the state-qualifying girls team from Shelby.
Boys coach Justin Schroeder says Jones is a fierce competitor and team player.
“Nicole is a great golfer, there is no denying that; however, she is just fun to be around. She is very happy-go-lucky and very team-oriented,” said Schroeder. “I know that when the boys were playing in sectionals and districts she wanted to go because she felt that they were a team all year and she wanted to support them. She has been very good for our team from a competitor standpoint and supportive team member standpoint.”
Having her on the boys team was a positive added the coach.
“I think she pushed the boys, whether she realizes it or not. She did,” praised Schroeder.
During the regular season Jones played on the same length course as the boys and is now playing the shorter length for women, but the coach of the Whippets said it was good for her game.
“I believe playing off the longer tees was good for Nicole. Not just playing longer courses, but playing against extremely good competition. She was able to test herself against great players in our conference, several which are playing in the boys state golf tournament,” noted Schroeder.
Now, playing off the women’s tees, the coach said Jones has made the adjustment and handled it quite well.
The ultimate goal is to be the tournament medalist and her coach said that also requires the “right frame of mind.”
“My goal this week is to get Nicole to totally focus on the process — consistent pre-shot routine, committing to targets, winning one hole at a time, and enjoying the weekend. I believe Nicole is at her best when she is focused, but also having fun and enjoying the environment. Often times, players get to these ‘bigger’ tournaments and feel they need to do something different or extra special. More often than not, that isn’t the case. We have to take it one shot, one hole, and one day at a time,” said Schroeder.
The SHS coach feels the strength of his standout player is her work around the greens.
“Nicole is extremely good around the greens. She is one of the better putter and pitchers of the golf ball that I have coached. She just has a natural rhythm to her putting stroke that most players would envy,” said Schroeder.
Jones will tee off from hole No. 10 at 10:50 a.m. Friday in the first day of competition.