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Amanda Snyder, left, and Katherine Ashby pose at the Regions 4 and 5 golf tournament in May.
After a surprisingly large player turnout, the UHSAA recognized changes are in order for the upcoming 2009 season. Most notably, the need for more classifications. With the separation of 5A and 4A, it's a telling sign that girls' golf is here to stay.
"I'm honored to be part of history," Syracuse High's Amanda Snyder said. "It was a little weird at first, a different atmosphere, but [the players] developed relationships over the season and it became real clear most of the girls were having a lot of fun."
It's no surprise that Snyder enjoyed her inaugural season. Anyone would after dominating eight out of nine tournaments.
But to say she was surprised by her success is untrue. She admits her high confidence heading into the season stemmed from two previous seasons competing with the boys' team at Clearfield High.
In fact, Snyder says that's what made her the player she is today.
For two years, the former Falcon studied every move from the veteran players. But more importantly, she took away how they carried themselves as professionals. Just a sophomore, Snyder ranked as high as fourth on the varsity roster. Not bad for an individual who didn't take the sport seriously until eighth grade. Even her closest competitors notice the rising star's
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"Amanda doesn't let anything get in her way," Davis High's Katherine Ashby said. "She's a mentally tough player who just has that natural ability [on the course]."
Although Snyder's winning streak ended in losing fashion at the state championships - she finished three strokes behind champion Sadie Palmer of Tooele - she got a pick-me-up earlier this month after being named to the Utah Junior America's Cup team for the second consecutive year.
UJGA combined scores from tournaments over the spring and made the final cut this month. Once again, it was no surprise as Snyder earned top billing with 835 points. Fellow friend and rival Ashby will also be making the trip to Alberta, Canada on Sunday.
Ashby was in a word shocked upon finding out the news.
"I couldn't believe it . . . I'm so happy. If you told me this a year and a half ago, I wouldn't have believed you," Ashby said.
And for good reason.
Conventional wisdom suggests golf's technical aspects require it takes numerous years to master the game. But not for the Davis senior. After countless requests from family relatives to give golf a try, the multi-sport athlete decided to give it a go. However, it was with reservation.
Ashby acknowledges her esteem for the sport wasn't high at all, adding, "I wondered why people even liked [golf]."
Nonetheless, it was love at first sight.
Ashby quickly got into the game she previously discounted.
"Things fell into place . . . I figured it out," Ashby said.
Like Snyder, Ashby worked her way up to varsity and soon competed with the boys. After watching what to do and not to do from her comrades, Snyder demonstrated a solid golf game this past spring, finishing fourth in region. With her overall game coming into focus, Ashby admits her biggest concern is nerves. To combat that, she says experience is the only cure.
The true test will come in Canada, where top-notch players from all around the western region will be competing. Snyder will take a leadership role since she's been on this stage before. In addition to the Davis County duo, Annika Afoa, Nicole Gaddie, and Tara Green make up the roster.
Snyder says the mistake made by last year's group was course management. There is a different altitude and players need to be aware of club selection. If they're good enough, the trip could be a complete success.
North Stars
* Amanda Snyder leads Utah's Junior America's Cup roster set to compete in Alberta, Canada this weekend.
* Syracuse's Snyder was a big reason for the success in the inaugural season of girls' prep golf.
* Up-and-comer Katherine Ashby rounds out the Utah Junior America's Cup roster.
