Summer months for high school kids are spent in many different ways. For Lydia Drew, in the summer before her sophomore year, she decided to pick up golf clubs for the first time because she wanted to do a fall sport. Drew’s brother (David, GHS ’18) and her father Steve both play. She said, “Turns out that it was the best choice I had ever made. I’m now in love with the sport, and everything it has to offer.”
Self proclaimed as “timid,” Drew shared that she didn’t know girls who played. The first time she picked up clubs was the day before tryouts. In her first season she spent much of her time learning how to play golf, rather than improving on her skills like the rest of her team. She said, “But sooner or later I was just as skilled as the rest of my teammates. I competed in most of the matches, and I was more consistent with my overall play.”
Photo credit Janice DrewDrew eyed her next shot during a recent golf match.
Drew spent time prior to the 2018 season heading out to different courses and driving ranges; she said she even hit practice balls in her backyard. Her main course is the Gorham Country Club. She said, “I definitely had more confidence going into my second season.” Her coach, Emily Droge, instilled in her to work hard and practice and eventually it would pay off.
“Throughout the year, she modified my swing and helped me with developing my game,” Drew shared. With Coach Droge’s guidance and Drew’s hard work, she saw her scores consistently improve throughout the season.
Prior to this season, Drew set a goal for herself; she wanted to qualify for States. To some, that may seem unattainable considering it was her first year playing. However, Drew quickly learned that hard work truly does pay off adding, “When I found out I had qualified for States, it felt like a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders.”
The State Championship was held at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro on October 13. It was a cold, rainy day, and while she said it wasn’t her best game, she was very proud of her 14th place finish.
Drew said Coach Droge has been a big influence on her as one of her goals is to play golf at the collegiate level. “She’s a great example of that because she attended a Division I college on a full scholarship for golf,” said Drew.
When asked what advice she would give to young girls who might want to give the sport a try she said, “Even though it’s not a mainstream girl’s sport to play, that shouldn’t stop you. It’s been one of the best choices I’ve made. The sport requires a driven athlete who not only wants to improve in the game, but boost character. To everyone else, take risks and try something new, you might be very surprised.”