One of the important keys to being successful on the golf course is being able to adapt to changing situations.

That aspect is something that both the Permian and Odessa High girls golf teams know plenty well this season.

From dealing with cold temperatures to high winds and everything else in between, the tournaments played in the spring have been an adventure at times.

But even after those battles, the hope now for both teams is that they can use their experience to their advantage as they start play at 10 a.m. Monday at the District 2-6A Tournament at The Rawls Course in Lubbock.

“The biggest thing that we’ve worked on as a team is staying mentally focused for the entire round,” Permian head coach Rodney Roman said. “We have that experience of being able to adapt to what the course gives you.”

The Lady Panthers are aiming to get back to the Region 1-6A tournament as a team after missing out a year ago. Emily Serrano made it as a medalist last year, but she’s since moved on to UTPB.

Two players from the regional qualifiers — senior Adrianna Hernandez and junior Marina Solis — are both back to give it another run and are each confident that they have what it takes to get back to that next level.

“I honestly feel ready to play,” Hernandez said. “I have a lot of faith in my game and my team and I have a good feeling that we can get back to regionals.”

“I feel like we have a pretty good shot as long as we stay focused,” Solis said. “The Rawls Course is difficult, but you just have to focus on playing the course and not your opponent.”

It’s the same mentality that Odessa High head coach Berry Borchardt sees from his team as well.

The Lady Bronchos have been able to put together good days on the course at times, but Borchardt wants to see everyone playing more consistently at the same time.

“We just need to go out and have two good days,” he said. “We’ll have one really good day and one not so good day and it’s something that we’ve had to battle all year long. That said, I think we’re prepared and ready to go.”

That preparation dates back to dealing with the number of weather-adjusted tournaments played along with a district preview tournament this past Thursday.

Getting that first look at the course can prove to be valuable on a course where the elements can cause havoc.

“I think the weather we’ve had to deal with has helped prepare us,” senior Iris Ramirez said. “You have to deal with what’s happening and be able to use everything in your golf bag.”

“Everyone is playing in that same weather,” sophomore Chole Aranda said. “You just have to play your game and focus on that.”

So far, the forecast looks relatively promising with a cool start on Monday before a warmer and breezy day on Tuesday.

Either way, the Rawls Course will provide a tough test for the girls this week, just as it did a week ago for the boys tournament.

And both Permian and Odessa High will be prepared for whatever challenges they face.

“The last time we played out there, the conditions were completely different,” Roman said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to show what we can do.”

“I have high expectations for our girls,” Borchardt said. “We have a good idea of what we’re capable of shooting but we have to be able to do that for two days in a row.”
