Westside golfer Lily Gutta recently placed first in the opening junior varsity tournament of the season. By no means did this win come easy for the sophomore.

“Our team has been practicing everyday after school, whether that is in the Swede on the simulator, or out on the golf course playing nine holes.” Gutta said.

When playing the game of golf, there is much more to it than just the skills aspect.

“There are also two sides to every game, the mental, and the physical side.” Gutta said.

“If you let yourself get in your head, you won’t play your best. If you get too frustrated on the course you don’t play your best because your swing becomes fast. I always try to have my best attitude on the course and love talking with either my teammates or the other girls in my group at different schools.” 

Gutta is also already loving her second year of being on the golf team.

“It has already been super fun being on the golf team this year because I have already made new friends with the new teammates,” Gutta said. “Of course I love it because we also started out with a bang by winning our first JV tournament which we didn’t win last year.”

Gutta’s inspiration for golf comes from her coaches and teammates.

“My biggest motivation comes from the people around me. My coaches motivate me everyday by pushing me to be my best and giving me tips to improve my golf game,” Gutta said. “I’m also motivated by my teammates. They always bring energy and laughs which helps me get excited to golf with them everyday.”

Gutta also received a lot of enthusiasm at home, where she learned the game of golf.

“Something else that motivates me is my dad because we love golfing together and he was why I started golfing in the first place,” Gutta said.

Gutta and her teammates will compete in the Junior Varsity Invite at Tara Hills golf course on Wednesday, Sept. 6.