The Oklahoman

Southmoore’s Smith doesn’t let scoliosis slow her down

- FROM STAFF REPORTS

Southmoore's Madison Smith has 22 screws and two rods in her spine. She has only attended public school one year.

Scoliosis has made things tough. But she was still impressive in her state tournament debut. The senior ended the first day of the Class 6A state tournament at Bartlesvil­le’s Hillcrest Country Club in third place, striking distance in the final day for the state title.

“I really brought it home after the front,” Smith said. “On the front, I had a couple of putting issues. But the back nine, I had some really good up and downs and mentally brought it all back together.”

Smith was diagnosed with scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, in the fourth grade. Then 9 years old, she waited until 11 to have surgery. She then underwent physical therapy that allowed her to play golf.

Purcell in strong position

Purcell senior ShaeBug

Scarberry was beaming with pride as she looked at Westwood Park Golf Course’s scoreboard. Not for her tournament­leading score, but for her teammate.

Purcell junior Jade

McCurdy shot an even-par 71 in the opening round of the Class 3A state tournament Wednesday, one stroke behind Scarberry to put the Dragons in control of the tournament entering the final day.

Purcell shot a total of 322 to lead Lone Grove by 11 strokes.

The duo of Scarberry, a Tulsa signee, and McCurdy were the catalysts.

 ?? OKLAHOMAN] [PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGE­R, THE ?? Purcell’s Shaebug Scarberry hits her tee shot during the Class 3A girls golf state tournament at Westwood Park Golf Course in Norman on Wednesday. Scarberry is the leader in the tournament, one stroke ahead of her teammate, Jade McCurdy.
OKLAHOMAN] [PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGE­R, THE Purcell’s Shaebug Scarberry hits her tee shot during the Class 3A girls golf state tournament at Westwood Park Golf Course in Norman on Wednesday. Scarberry is the leader in the tournament, one stroke ahead of her teammate, Jade McCurdy.

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