Sophomore Ayla Browning tied for first place in the qualifying tournament for the state golf championship out of 40 girls. After qualifying, Browning placed 14 out of 60 girls in the VHSL Girls State Open on October 25. 

According to Browning, she looked to win this year after coming fourth last year in the girls state championship. 

Browning has been playing golf for quite some time but has only been competitive for two years. “I really have been enjoying it. I used to play when I was little,” Browning said. 

Browning had an improving year as far as her golf scores. “I was shooting 80s a lot, and this year I brought all my scores to the 70s consistently,” said Browning. 

Browning says she enjoyed playing in the tournament and thought it was fun, but she felt like other people played better than her. “When it actually came to the moment I was kind of scared but I was honestly surprised I placed first,” Browning said. 

Browning met the goal she set before heading into her state golf tournament. Her expectations were top 20 out of 70 girls, and she tied for 14, meeting her goal. 

Browning is overall proud of her season and the more she practices will continue to lower her score.

According to Browning, golf is a really good sport to practice for when it comes down to COVID Rules because you can easily distance yourself physically from others, so if she continues to practice like she has been her scores will continue to improve just like this season.