The Colorado Academy Athletic Department’s slogan of the year was simple: “Win the Day.” At this year’s State Girls Golf Championship, that slogan made all the difference, because the golfers had only one day to compete.
It was not how the team wanted it to end, but the 3A State Girls Golf competition came to a premature close after one day, due to snow on the course. The cancellation of the second day of competition meant that Monday’s scores would hold as the final results, and, as a result, CA brought home their fourth-straight team title. Caroline Jordaan took the 3A individual title.
“On Monday, we had talked about ‘Win the Day,’ because we knew that weather might be a factor,” says Girls Golf Coach Beth Folsom. “We knew we had to get off to a good start, because there might not be a second chance.”
A year ago, a one-day competition would have had a very different outcome. At last year’s state competition, CA’s team was down 7 shots and rallied to take the state title on the second day. “This year, looking at the weather, we knew we might not have that opportunity,” Folsom says. “The girls were disappointed about not playing a second day, but they are thrilled with the win.”
Jordaan triumphs
Caroline Jordaan won the championship. A three-time state runner-up (once in 4A and twice in 3A), Jordaan ended Monday at 1-under-par 71. A Senior, she is ending her high school career on a high note—despite the wintry weather which brought the tournament to an early end.
“It feels really good,” Jordaan says. “I feel like it’s been a long time coming, and it feels great to end my Senior year with two wins.”
“Caroline has been an outstanding player and a team leader for four years,” Folsom says. “She is a competitor, and the rest of the team follows her lead.”
Course conditions on Monday were less than ideal, with chilly temperatures and periods of moderate rainfall, but all players completed 18 holes. Jordaan’s experience sitting at or near the top of the leaderboard at the State Tournament in the past helped her stay relaxed this year, despite the weather.
“It definitely gets easier every year,” she says. “It helps that I have a really strong team, and we have worked hard all year. And I’ve been blessed with great coaches.”
Jordaan will continue her golf career at the University of Denver. Her win as a Senior matches her twin brother Richter Jordaan’s win at No. 1 singles in the 4A Tennis Tournament last fall.
Supporting the Mustangs’ team score were Freshman Eva Pett, who shot 79 and placed fifth, and Jordaan’s younger sister, Junior Marie Jordaan, who shot 80 and placed sixth. Sophomore Sage Phelps-Fast also contributed, placing 17th out of 84 players. The CA team took First Place at 14 over.
“They worked hard, and they played with confidence,” Folsom says. “And they proved the truth of their slogan—you can win the day.”