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October 18, 2021Competing in the girls state golf tournament at Ohio State University’s Gray Course this past weekend felt like being part of a pro golf event for VASJ junior Samantha Turk.
“Being at states in general was my favorite moment of the weekend,” Turk said. “Sharing this moment with my family and Coach Dunmire made it even more special. They have helped me a lot this year, so being able to share this experience with them was a favorite moment of mine.”
Turk started her Division II state golf run on Friday, Oct. 15 with a 77, landing her in eighth place. After a second round of competition on Saturday, Oct. 16, Turk carded an 89. She finished in a tie for 19th place out of 71 golfers, with a total gross score of 166.
“It was an absolute blast watching Sammy compete down in Columbus,” said VASJ golf head coach Brian Dunmire. “Sammy drove the ball exceptionally long and straight all weekend. It was impressive. She was consistently putting it out there 40 to 80 yards past many of her playing partners.”
Turk said she feels good about her overall performance at states. While she felt she hit her irons the best she ever has, she acknowledged that chipping and putting gave her some problems, especially on the second day.
“Overall I felt like I put on a solid showing and put my name out there,” Turk said.
With senior year on the horizon, Dunmire believes Turk has a shot to make another run next year.
“She has proven she can compete with the best Ohio has to offer. Sammy is now deservedly in that conversation. And, with the way she works, I would not be at all surprised if she makes another deep run in 2023,” Dunmire said.
Besides physically competing against some of the best high school female golfers in the state, Turk said the competition also made her a better golfer mentally.
“I learned to forget bad shots or holes and just play each hole like the first,” she said. “This will help me for my senior season because I can stay good mentally on a big stage like states. I can dominate in matches and end up back in Columbus, but this time bring back some gold to the Viking Village.”
