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October 7, 2021After a day of competing in the girls golf district tournament and learning she had qualified to compete in the 2021 golf state tournament, VASJ junior Samantha Turk was left speechless. Learning she was the first female Viking golfer in the history of the school to accomplish this feat made the moment even more special.
“I was the very last group of the day to finish, so it didn’t take long for me to find out the results,” she said. “Once I turned in my scorecard, I went as far away as I could from the scoreboard. I didn’t want to give myself false hope. While I was waiting for the results, the Beaumont coach and other people started congratulating me, and that’s when I knew I made it.”
A score of 83 during the girls golf Northeast Division II district tournament at Sable Creek Golf Course on Oct. 6 earned Turk the title of state qualifier.
“Sammy has been a joy to coach,” said VASJ golf head coach Brian Dunmire. “She played as our No. 2 with the boys team all year and averaged 44.6 for nine holes — from the men’s tees. That is incredible. In her last nine-hole match of the season, a victory over Willoughby South, she posted an even par 35 with two birdies and was a medalist.”
Turk, who started golfing when she was a young girl, said she started getting serious about the sport before she started her high school career at VASJ. One of the aspects she enjoys most about golf is that it’s anyone’s game once you step out on the course.
“It’s all just about who can focus the most and hit the better shots. I also enjoy that size doesn’t matter. I’m 5 foot 2 inches, which is pretty short for my age, so having a sport where I am just as good as someone who is 6 foot 2 inches really makes me more confident and enjoy golf more.”
Turk will compete in the Division II girls golf state tournament at the OSU Gray Course on Oct. 15 and 16. Dunmire said he can’t wait to see what Turk can do down in Columbus after witnessing all of her hard work and dedication this season.
“Being with her one-on-one for 72 holes over the last several weeks for practice rounds, sectionals and districts has really opened my eyes to how good she really is. She drives the ball extremely long and straight, which is a huge advantage for her. Her iron game is also really good. With her length, accuracy and work ethic, anything is possible,” he said.
As for Turk, she’s looking forward to all aspects of competing in the state tournament.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how I rank against the other girls,” Turk said. “Secondly, I look forward to playing one of the nicest courses in the state of Ohio. Finally, I’m looking forward to representing VASJ and putting the school and me on the map in Columbus.”