Emma Cox has a good feeling about this golf season.
And it’s not just because the junior finished her opening round by chipping in from off the 18th green at Camas Meadows on March 6.
Cox believes Camas, which has placed second in state the past two years, has what it takes to end Bellarmine Prep’s run of eight straight 4A titles.
“It just feels like this is the year,” Cox said.
Camas has two players who will likely be in the mix for the individual state title. Cox finished tied for third last year. Haley Oster, a senior who will golf for Montana State, placed ninth.
“I think it’s going to be difficult because (Bellarmine) is really good,” Oster said. “But I think we have a chance if our top six or seven players go to state and make the cut for the second day. I think that should be a main goal.”
Oster and Cox have played in a combined five state tournaments. Five other Camas golfers (Ashley Clark, Abby Jiang, Lauryn Tsukimura, Wenny Cai and Avery Salvato) have all competed at state at least once.
Camas coach Bob Foster said that experience is valuable.
“It’s basically how to handle your nerves when you get into high-level competition,” Foster said. “When you get into state, there’s 80 girls there and they’re all good.”
While state championships are a focus this spring, Cox and Oster have been working toward longer-term goals as well.
Oster spent the winter doing more strength training to add the distance she’ll need to compete at the college level. She’s also working on more nuanced shots, like hitting cuts and fades with her driver.
She traveled to Arizona for winter tournaments, preparation for which saw her hitting at a snowy Camas driving range on Christmas.
“I really want to be the top player in the state,” Oster said. “I know it will be hard, but I think it’s possible if I work really hard this year.”
Cox also had a busy offseason. Last summer, she played in Oregon Junior Golf and Rocky Mountain Junior Golf Tour events.
This winter, she focused on strength training to address some wrist and back injuries that flared up during her busy summer.
“Just making sure my body is strong so I can fight off injuries really quickly,” Cox said. “I’ve also been working on my short game for sure. That can really make or break a round.”
Whether Cox or Oster finish higher at state isn’t on either of their minds. Both just want each teammate to play the best they can.
They hope the team’s best will be good enough to end Bellarmine’s dynasty.
“They’re very supportive of each other,” Foster said. “They both want to see each other do well. You couldn’t ask for two better teammates.”
