The Westside girls golf team has gotten off to a strong start this season, recently taking first place at their latest invitational. A key contributor to the team’s success is senior Addie Benge, who enters her final season with passion, determination, and a commitment to helping her team improve. After four years on the varsity squad, consistently playing in the top five at nearly every tournament, Benge is determined to go out with a bang. While she admits that it’s bittersweet to know this will be her last season as a Westside Warrior, she is focused on making it a memorable finale.
There are many things about golf that make it great, especially being on a team with close friends. Benge has formed strong bonds with teammates she is also friends with outside of golf, and she has made many new ones through the team as well. These friendships are part of what makes the season so enjoyable for the senior. Spending entire days with teammates at tournament has created a lot of time for bonding. But for Benge, the best part of the season is the icing on the cake, the state tournament. It’s where all the hard work comes together for the ultimate reward and where team bonding truly shines.
“I am probably going to miss the state tournament the most,” Benge said. “Probably because it’s just so fun. Like we get to stay in a hotel, we get to like bond with teammates, all the things.”
Golf has been a huge part of Benge’s life, and stepping away from the sport marks the end of an era. The game of golf can teach one many things about life from discipline to patience, and for Benge one lesson has been how to handle pressure. While she plans to set competitive golf aside in college to explore new opportunities, she still intends to play the game for enjoyment, keeping a lifelong connection to the sport she loves.
“I am not going to continue golf in college,” Benge said. “But I am looking at Nebraska and Arkansas right now for college. I am probably going to join a sorority and get involved in school other ways besides golf.”
As a top player on the golf team, Benge competes against some of the best golfers in the state. For many, this level of competition can bring an insane amount of pressure, but for Benge, it’s just part of the game. Years of experience, practice, and high-stakes tournaments have taught her how to stay focused and confident, no matter the situation.
“There really isn’t much pressure,” Benge said. “I have been playing golf for a really long time, so I have gotten used to the pressure of every shot mattering. So I guess there still is pressure. I have just gotten used to it.”
Benge will continue this season playing with passion, determination, and confidence. Her love for the sport and her connection with the team will not be forgotten. From sinking crucial putts on the green to helping lead the team to a second-place finish at the state tournament last year, she has consistently shown her value on and off the course. With her talent, work ethic, and leadership, Benge has developed skills that will carry her far beyond golf and benefit her in all aspects of life.
