MOUNT AYR — Mount Ayr’s Tessa Shields has learned much about her golf game throughout her four years.
The Raiderette senior knows one of the most important parts of golf has nothing to do with how she’s hitting her drives or stroking her putts on the green.
It comes from the six inch gap between her ears.
Shields has developed a strong mental approach to her game. It has helped her earn a third trip to state.
Shields and teammate Abbey Schafer will tee up in the Class 1A state tournament Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 10 a.m. both days at the American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown.
“I am a lot more confident in my shot,” Shields said. “I don’t get too worked up over a bad hole like I used too.”
Being stronger mentally comes from experience of playing at state as a freshman and a sophomore.
“I have learned from my last two trips that getting upset over a bad hole solves nothing,” Shields said. “If I have a bad hole or shot, then I need to forget about it and move on so it doesn’t affect the rest of my game.”
Shields, along with Schafer, have both become more consistent near the green.
It has helped them tremendously, noted Mount Ayr coach Scott Giles.
“Both girls have improved their short game the most,” Giles said. “Chipping and putting is something they have needed to work on and they are finally getting it tuned in.”
Shields is back at state for a third time, while Schafer is back at state for a second straight year.
For both, the two days in Marshalltown will be meaningful.
“To end my high school golf career at the state tournament is one of the best feelings,” Shields said. “I wouldn’t want to end any other way.”
Shields will take her golf skills to St. Ambrose University in Davenport this fall, while Schafer has one more year with the Raiderettes.
“It’s a great way for Tessa to end her high school golfing career and get ready for the next level,” Giles said. “For Abbey, it’s a good reward for her and all the hard work she has put in on her game.”
They will have company on the course as the other Raiderette girls golfers will be in the galleries.
“This will be a good way for them to see what it’s like and provide some team unity,” Giles said. “Having players or a team qualify for the state tournament is always a good thing for any program. I expect we will have good numbers again next year.”
Shields has experience with the American Legion Course, having played there as a freshman.
“The course is pretty open, but it will be important to keep the ball in the fairways,” Shields said. “Also, chipping and putting will be important because that is where strokes can decrease.”
It will be a fitting end to the season for both Shields and Schafer.
“Both girls want to go and play good, have fun and enjoy the experience,” Giles said.