Scott points out another of Sofia ’ s strengths is that she can relate to people of all ages .
She states , “ I like to play with people and have conversations on the course . It relaxes me .”
Her favorite club is her putter . She says the worst part of her game is her irons , but as Scott pointed out , she is still learning consistency , and this is only her second year .
Her favorite LPGA player is Nelly Korda . She also started watching Bryson DeChambeau because he is such a unique player . Somewhat like DeChambeau , Sofia is an analytical player . She locates stakes as she approaches fairways , verifies distance with her rangefinder , and analyzes whether she wants to be short or long .
She shares a funny story about qualifying for the Girl ’ s State at Heritage Oaks Golf Course . She was on hole # 17 , where she hit several balls into the environmentally sensitive areas then hit the next one correctly . Coach Miller said , “ See , that wasn ’ t hard , and that ’ s all you needed to do with the first shot .” Unfortunately , she lost several balls with VMI imprinted on them David Prasnicki had given her . On the 18th hole , Coach Miller stood to the right to watch where her second shot would go . She looked at him , and he waved , “ Go ahead and hit .” She misunderstood and thought he was saying to hit the ball where he was , which was not at all where the ball was supposed to go . They still laugh about this ! Sophia remembers that when they finished and returned to the Clubhouse for scores , Coach looked at her and said , “ We ’ re going to States .” She froze for a second in shock . “ I didn ’ t know what to do . I texted my family and they were all like , what ? How is that possible ?!”
Speaking of family , Sofia adds , “ Thank you to my Mom for all the rides to and from the Club . She always dropped me off when I wanted to play and picked me up when I was done . And I wouldn ’ t have been able to try golf if it wasn ’ t for Dad buying my first golf clubs and encouraging me to play . I wouldn ’ t be where I am today without the constant support from my parents and siblings .”
Her summer focus will be on improving her iron play and getting better from 60 yards and in . So , be on the lookout because I ’ m sure she will be out there . We will be watching you , Sofia !
Judy Warren
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