Sabine Juarez didn´t always plan on joining golf. In fact, it took some convincing. Since her freshman year, Myree Hickman and Tami Smith had both encouraged her to give it a try, and last year she finally decided to join. What she found surprised her is that it was “way more fun than it seems like.” And she quickly realized that the sport offered not only competition but also a chance to relax, spend time outdoors, and challenge herself in new ways she hadn’t expected before.
Since starting, Juarez has seen clear improvement in her game. She feels that her driving and putting have improved the most, thanks to practices that focus heavily on short game while still covering a little bit of everything, which has helped her develop a well-rounded skill set and feel more confident stepping up to each shot. That balance, she said, “helped me grow as a player over time,” and she has also learned how to stay patient with herself as she continues improving.
Beyond the skills, it’s the team environment that has made the biggest impact. This year, the team has become especially close, creating a fun and supportive atmosphere where everyone encourages one another and pushes each other to do their best without adding pressure. Some of Juarez’s favourite memories come from time spent off course, especially the overnights where everyone hangs out together in hotel rooms playing games, talking late into the night and building friendships that makes the experience even more meaningful.
Like any sport, golf comes with its challenges. For Juarez she says, “consistency is the biggest struggle for me, like trying not to follow a good shot with a bad one,” which can sometimes be frustrating when things don’t go as planned. To stay focused, she reminded herself to reset, and treat each hole as a fresh start, and move forward, focusing on the present instead of past mistakes. She also notes that one of the hardest parts of the game is not getting frustrated and staying mentally focused without distractions, since golf is as much a mental game as it is physical.
Looking back on the season so far, Juarez and her teammates agree on one highlight: their favorite course to play is Hollydot, where the unique layout and scenery make every round enjoyable and memorable. For many, golf can be an energizing experience that forms bonds between the members of the team, and Juarez’s experience is no different.
