Q&A with Senior Girls Golfer Maddy Gilmartin

We actually had a request for this week's Q&A session from a loyal reader for girls golf's Madison Gilmartin. "Maddy" was actually on our radar since the day I started covering Spring-Ford sports, as she's an incredible talent with an existing legacy for the Rams four-year-old girls team.

The Rams' golfer-extraordinaire won PAC-10 Individuals for the second year in a row this year and went to the second day of districts last year. With districts starting today, Gilmartin hopes to go on to regionals in her senior season.

Gilmartin took some time to sit down with Limerick-Royersford-Spring City Patch to discuss her golf career and life in general in this week’s Q&A.

LRSC Patch: So, how did you get started with golf? When did you fall in love with the sport and realize you were good?

Maddy Gilmartin: I was 12 and we went out to a Waltz's type of place - just a driving range and ice cream - after a summer basketball game. You know how they just have the wooden clubs sitting out for everyone to use? I just picked up one of those and started swinging and they were going straight. After that, I went out every night that summer - I wanted to go out to the range with my dad.

Patch: How much of an influence has your father had on your golf career?

Gilmartin: He's not the best golfer, but he's my little manager, I guess. He schedules all my tournaments and now he's doing all my college. He's talking to all the coaches and stuff. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I am.

Patch: Speaking of college, what are you looking at right now? I know you're trying to play in college right?

Gilmartin: Either that or go into professional golf management and get PGA certified.

Patch: So, do you have any specific schools in mind?

Gilmartin: My top is Penn State and then Florida Gulf Coast, Methodist and a few Pennsylvania and state schools.

Patch: Why do you want to go to Penn State?

Gilmartin: My dad went there. He's an alumni and I've gone there so many times. I just fell in love with the school the first time I ever went there. They have one of the best programs around.

Patch: Tell me more about your career at Spring-Ford.

Gilmartin: Well, it was the beginning of the program when I came in. My sophomore year, I was the number one spot. I've had some good accomplisments. I made it to PAC-10s, came in second with an 86 my sophomore year, won it last year with a 77 and with a 70. I made it to districts junior year to the second day and I hope to make it to regionals this year.

Patch: What are some of the things you've done to train and become better since that first time you picked up a club?

Gilmartin: I took lessons as much as I could and became a member of Spring-Ford Country Club, which I think has helped me the most, because it allows me to get out every day, get out as much as I want and be out there as long as I possibly can.

Patch: What's your favorite thing about the game of golf?

Gilmartin: The feeling of accomplishment. When you reach one of your goals. It's such a hard sport to reach goals, so when you do, it feels really good.

Patch: Do you play any other sports for Spring-Ford?

Gilmartin: I used to play basketball.

Patch: Why did you call it quits?

Gilmartin: I just love golf too much and wanted to concentrate on it. I knew that was what I wanted to go to college for.

Patch: So this is a year-round thing for you?

Gilmartin: Mm-hm.

Patch: Can you tell me a little bit about how you're feeling about districts this year?

Gilmartin: I'm feeling good. It's my senior year so I'm pumped up to get further than I did last year. There's a lot of good new girls, but I'm excited.

Patch: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind when you leave Spring-Ford.

Gilmartin: I guess being the best girl golfer in Spring-Ford and the PAC-10 so far.

Patch: Wrapping up your senior year, what would you say is your best memory at Spring-Ford?

Gilmatin: It's probably the golf team. I love them. They're all my good friends and we get together even out of school. All the good matches we've had. All the good seasons. Our good record. We're a good team.

Patch: Thinking about going off to college, you'll be somewhere where you'll be on your own without living with your parents. Do you see that as a big adjustment for you, or something you're excited about?

Gilmartin: I hope not to go too far away, but obviously with golf, you want to go far away, like south or something. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm excited for new things, but still want to see my family a lot. It should be fun.

Patch: Anyone you want to thank before we wrap it up?

Gilmartin: My coaches and my team and my dad and my mom.