Junior Captains Leading Simley Girls Golf Team

Jessica Pate and Maddy Urness have played side-by-side on the Simley girl’s golf
team since eighth grade.

Now juniors, the team captains have emerged as two of the top golfers in the Classic Suburban Conference. Heading into the final stretch of the regular season, Pate is ranked third in the conference, while Urness is ranked sixth.

Both credit their families for developing their interest and skill level in the game. They both took up golf as a family hobby, which gave them an advantage when they decided to take it up as a varsity sport.

"I've always enjoyed playing golf," Urness said. "I grew up playing with my parents and aunt and uncle all the time and it's just been a big part of our family and what we do."

In addition to taking occasional private lessons, Pate said she practices with her dad four days a week when time allows. And when she's on her own, she says she hits 20 balls a day with each different club.

"I practice all the time, I’m always trying to get better," said Pate.

Pate juggles a schedule that includes playing and practicing both golf and hockey year round. Simley girls golf coach Steve Johnston says Pate is fearless on the ice and plays with a reckless abandon. But on the golf course, she has the ability to remain calm, cool and collected.

"She can go 100 miles per hour," says Johnston. "But on the golf course, she's more controlled, she's stone-faced, hard to rattle."

Johnston says Urness can hit her drive 250 yards and that she "probably has the best swing on the team." But both Urness and Pate know the key to their success is their ability to succeed in the short game.

"When I take my time and focus on the fundamentals I can hit the ball far," says Urness. "But it's better to hit the ball straight than far, and I've been able to do that in my short game and that's what's most important."

The Classic Suburban Conference meet is May 25 at Phalen Golf Course. Johnston is confident his two stars can continue to succeed when they play against the best of the best.

“Maddy has a unique ability to find a way to pull it together if she is in trouble, she finds a way to stay on course,” says Johnston.  “Jess is steady all the time and has great touch around the green. Her short game is as good as any. I'll put her short game up against most of the kids in the conference. I'm excited for the both of them to see how far they can go. When they are on top of their game, they are tough to beat.”