The Long Game

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

Photos: Geoff Schneider

If there’s one thing every player experiences, it’s some sort of golf anxiety.

But unlike working on fixing a slice or learning how to stop chunking wedge shots for hours at the range, the mental part of the game can eat you up and lead you down a dark path. Those first two issues are much more curable — and generally won’t cause a person to give up playing golf for good.

There are numerous stories about pro players who lost their mojo due to mental issues. Whether it was the pressure to keep their PGA Tour card, or simply getting caught up in performance anxiety and being judged by others, there are certainly different levels of golf anxiety.

Every golfer expects to play their best and shoot low each time they tee it up. Unfortunately, that’s not how golf works, so understanding how to control your emotions and stick to a plan when things don’t go right is a key differentiator between good, bad, and great players.

“The mental part of the game of golf is huge and it can affect your game negatively or positively. On the course you may not be playing well and get down on yourself about your performance. This is not a good way to be because it can affect the rest of your day on the course. If you hit a bad shot, you have to reflect on what you did, know what you did wrong, and move on,” explained Mount Mercy Academy junior Kaelen Zarzecki. “Mentally, I know if I mess up, I know what I did wrong in that shot or what is affecting my game. This doesn't put me down the rest of the day, it helps me move on and think about what I can do positively next.”

Entering her junior year, Zarzecki had to get used to the team setting of high school golf. Golf is usually an individual sport where the player is just worried about their score. While that is still somewhat true in a team setting, Zarzecki doesn’t let the pressure get to her.

She knows how her game plays out. She knows what to do on the course. It’s just clearing the mind and trusting her instincts when she steps up to the tee.

“I have learned I cannot put pressure on myself knowing it is all about the team score,” stated Zarzecki. “I know my abilities, and what I can do in a team setting, and I have to do the same playing in that setting. As I am out on the course in match play, I treat it like I am competing for myself - knowing what I can do the best. If you think about the team score you may try to compete at the level you are not used to playing on your own.”

Golf has been in Zarzecki’s blood ever since she picked up her first pair of clubs at the age of 6. She is a golf junkie, always getting out on the course as much as she can. This summer it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Zarzecki was out on the course two to three times a week.

There she is working on her all-around game. Working on hitting the ball farther, and making sure her body is in the right position to keep the ball straight. When not on the course, Zarzecki is at the driving range.

If there is golf to be played, you can bet Zarzecki is there. She has a love for the game that is unmatched.

“Over the summer I stride to better myself and practice whenever I can. Getting on the course is probably the best part of the summer,” stated Zarzecki. “It gives me time to focus on my game individually, and get ready for the upcoming high school season - and even my future in golf. When I go to the course, I focus on my distance with each club, and the body, and arm movements, to keep my ball straight. There are the little techniques I practice at times, like putting, getting the ball out of the rough, or even punching it back on the fairway from the trees.”

This is Zarzecki’s third year on the golf team at Mount Mercy Academy. After being the underclassman the first two years, and learning the ropes, Zarzecki is ready to take leadership of the team.

Zarzecki knows all eyes will be on her, too. She is a two-time participant in the All-Catholic tournament, and has been waiting her turn. She knows being a leader isn’t just what she does on the course, but what she does off it.

With some new faces on the Mount Mercy roster, Zarzecki wants to make sure they are acclimated in the team, just like she was during her freshman year.

“As I take on the leadership role of the team, my first main goal is making sure they feel welcome and happy to be on the team,” stated Zarzecki. “I want them to feel comfortable, and make it enjoyable to play each day. There are new faces that have joined and my main goal for them is to also not feel intimidated as they may play with older girls from other teams. They are taking bigger strides each day in their level of the game, and I can see them taking on my role after I graduate.”

Graduation is still two years away for Zarzecki. This now being her third year on the varsity team, you can see that Zarzecki has more of a comfort level than in years past. The first couple of years she was trying to figure out courses that she had never played before.

This season Zarzecki can just let her game take over. She knows what to expect now, and it feels like she never left.

“Now playing in my third year on the team, I feel way more confident and comfortable entering the season. Playing with girls I never played with before my couple of years brought a lot more pressure, but also not knowing how match play worked was also difficult. Also, the courses were ones that I had never played before. So, it took time to get used to them, and my level of game on them. Entering my junior year on the golf team feels easy, and like I have never left.”

All the early success Zarzecki has had during her first couple season has stoked the fire to see if she can play at the next level. She knows if she can have another solid season, and have a good All-Catholic tournament, that the skies the limit when it comes to playing in college.

Zarzecki has already begun the process of looking into what it will take for her to pursue her dream of playing golf at the next level, and is determined to make it happen.

“High school is flying by in a blink of an eye, and I can’t believe I am entering my junior season already. The next step after high school is playing at the collegiate level. This is something I am greatly excited for and hoping I can pursue,” stated Zarzecki. “I am already looking into what you need, and what steps to take to play at the collegiate level. In high school, I feel competing with other teams, at different courses, greatly helps with that as I get ready to play in college.”

But first thing’s first and that’s to help Mercy have another solid season. This year the club will be with a new coach as James Banko takes over the program. Banko has brought his own style, one that the team seems to enjoy.

“I am greatly excited to have him as our new coach for the team. He has already brought in a welcoming attitude and a great view on golf,” stated Zarzecki. For the team, I feel he gives great tips and things to help our game extremely. Knowing where everyone is at the game he has already brought in bigger strides in all of our levels of play. I love how he trains each and every one of us to be the best players we can be individually. This season will be a great one with all of his help and support for all of us each and every day.”