In high school girls golf, it’s not unusual to find players who are just getting into the game. The Copper Hills team has a strong core of experienced players, including those who have been starters on the squad for a few years. 

One of the team leaders is senior Kailee Walker, a hard-working, talented golfer who brings a good attitude to every practice and match. 

Walker started playing golf around age 8, though it didn’t become a big passion until a little later. As a youngster, she played with her dad, as her interest and skills grew. She started playing consistently as a freshman. At this time, she tried out for the Copper Hills team. 

“What got me started was always playing with my dad and having friends try out with me,” she said. 

Walker is one of the top players for the Grizzlies and is someone head coach Jack Lambert can count on to perform and provide leadership by being a good example to the other girls. Her senior season has been a good one, as Walker has put up good numbers. 

High school golf is a unique sport because, while players’ efforts go toward the team score, they aren’t going up against other opponents in the same way athletes do in other sports. Golfers often measure their progress and success against their own efforts. This is one thing Walker enjoys about the sport. She also loves being around her teammates. Walker said she likes the camaraderie the Grizzlies have. She even has positive experiences interacting with opponents. 

“What I enjoy most about the sport is being able to compete with others and myself and spending time with my team,” she said. “The best part of being on the team is working together and uplifting each other as a team and being able to get to know all the other girls on other teams.”

Golf can be a challenging game, and consistency is something many players struggle with. Walker hopes to finish the year strong with steady play, which she hopes will help her team at the region and state tournament. She also wants to polish a few aspects of her game as the season winds down. 

“Some things I’m hoping to improve is my distance off the tee and to minimize my three-putts,” she said. “My goal this season to stay in the low 80s through the tournament season and to minimize the three-putts to better my score.”

Copper Hills will try to qualify as many girls as possible for the Class 6A state tournament, slated for May 20, 21 at Soldier Hollow Golf Course in Midway. Walker expects to be a part of these big matches. Last season, the Grizzlies placed 10th in 6A. Walker was part of that group and hopes to move up the rankings this time around. 

After the state tournament ends, Walker’s high school career will be over. As she reflects on her four years as a Grizzly golfer and on the time she has devoted to the sport over the years, she is grateful for the lessons she has learned and the memories she has made. She credits her father for her success and what she has learned. 

“My dad has always been my biggest mentor,” she said. “He started me when I was young and has been there for everything else since.”

Walker said her post-high school plans are up in the air, though she will likely attend Salt Lake Community College. 

“I’ll start my generals and go from there,” she said. λ