It’s always nice to have factual data that proves “yes, indeed, you did improve this year.””

Devon Wenndt, Head Coach for Girls Golf

With the 2023-24 girls golf season now winding up, the Oriole golfers headed to Lake Hallie last week for the Conference tournament Sept. 21, coming away with a good enough showing to make regionals at Whispering Pines in Cadott. Playing a full 18 holes at Lake Hallie, the final scores had Allie Goodman make 115, Emily Brenner 138, Chloe Isenberger 146, and Piper Gilles 155. Oriole girls golf head coach Devon Wenndt shared his thoughts on the season as the team prepared for the Regional at Cadott on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

“Kudos to the girls for their play on Thursday.,” he said of Lake Hallie. “We had only played 18 holes on a single other occasion this year (9/5/23 at Whitetail in Colfax), and we improved our team score by 28 strokes.  Even though the improvement that they have shown over the course of the year is extremely evident to myself and Coach Gustafson, it doesn’t always show up in the numbers.  It’s always nice to have factual data that proves “yes, indeed, you did improve this year.”

“It’s always a joy coaching beginning golfers; not only because of the vast amount of improvement they show from the beginning of the season to the end, but also because I enjoy watching them discover where their natural strengths lie.  For example, after about a weeks worth of practices Piper Gilles quickly became the best lag putter on putts outside of 30 feet of the four golfers.  Emily Brenner has become our best golfer from 50 yards and in.  Chloe Isenberger is probably the longest hitter on the team when she is able to really square one up.  Allie Goodman is our most rounded player and was our top points scorer this year, as evidenced by her receiving Honorable Mention All-Conference recognitions.  It’s difficult to say that one has improved more than another because none of them had played organized golf before; three of the girls had never touched a club before this season.  I can say with great conviction, however, that each has been a pleasure to coach.

“I consider it a blessing to even field a team for this year’s WIAA Regional golf tournament.  When you start the year with four beginning golfers, progressing to the point where you can make it through 18 holes is a nice accomplishment.  When you can make it through 18 holes where each and every shot counts -- no do-overs, no gimmies, no shooting 6 and writing down 5 -- a nice accomplishment becomes one that really makes a coach proud.  With all the rain over the weekend it appears that this Regional (held at Whispering Pines in Cadott) will be a soggy one, which will certainly benefit the longer hitters.  If the numbers and season averages hold true, there is certainly a chance that Allie may advance.  She’ll have to avoid penalty balls and clean up some things in the short game, but there has been some progress on this front in recent weeks.  For the rest of the team, getting experience playing in a postseason environment as a freshman is invaluable and should greatly benefit them moving forward.  Having this meet on our home course is a nice touch and should hopefully help ease some nerves.”