Lakeland Golf Expects Lower Scores in 2011

If the offseason is any clue, the Lakeland girls golf team will be much improved this fall. 

The Eagles lose three varsity players from a squad that was in rebuilding mode last year, but positive attitudes and scores trending downward on area courses this summer have head coach Tom Milkovich encouraged about his upcoming season. 

“We’ll be better this year, and I think we will see some major improvements,” Milkovich said. “I think the girls have a better attitude, and many of them are taking (practicing) more seriously this year.”

Some of Lakeland’s players are taking lessons from area professionals. One is working with Brian Cairns of Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center in Plymouth, who played in last weekend's PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club. 

Returning for Lakeland in 2011 are co-captains Kaitlyn Hudspeth and Meghan Jacobs. The two seniors have helped to organize summer practices and are showing excellent leadership in their final seasons, Milkovich said, adding he expects both captains to be among his top five scorers all season long. 

Fellow seniors Maria Brooks and Alycia Holmyard are also expected to compete for team-low scores along with juniors Courtney Chester and Courtney Solar. A number of other players provide depth and could push their way into the top six as well, Milkovich said. 

Boding well for the season is the high participation among team members in the optional practices organized by Milkovich. Many of the girls played at such courses as Beacon Hills, Lakeland’s home course at Highland Hills, Brentwood in White Lake and other area courses. Other team members took part in a junior golf program at Hartland Glen Golf Course. The scores Milkovich has seen show a significant level of improvement. 

“I am 100 percent certain we will be a lot better last year,” Milkovich said. “You can just tell by the attitudes and how (enthusiastic) the girls are.” 

Milkovich isn’t focusing on too many specific team goals this season, at least in terms of wins and losses. He does feel the Eagles will be very competitive in the KLAA North Division, although Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western are likely the favorites. He hopes Lakeland can compete well in its dual match with rival Walled Lake Northern. But he is mainly focused on helping his players improve their individual scores in a way that will show up on the scorecard. 

“I would like to see us consistently break 400 (collective team score) during dual matches,” Milkovich said. “I think that is realistic, and if we do that we can win some matches.” 

Last year's squad was vastly improved by the end of the season, when it improved its average dual meet team score by about 60 strokes from the beginning of the year, Milkovich said. With the struggles Lakeland had early in 2010, that level of improvement would be difficult to achieve this year, but the Eagles are well on their way to more wins. 

Milkovich also planned to take his team on a trip this week to Oscoda to play 45 holes at some challenging courses in that region of northeast Michigan. He hopes the trip will help the girls further bond. Lakeland’s first tournament is Thursday at Huron Meadows in an event hosted by Milford High School. 

“It should be an exciting year for us,” Milkovich said. “We’re off to a good start.”