Freshman Golfer From Manhasset Keeps Improving

reshman Madison Chen from Manhasset High School is making her mark in the world of golf. Chen recently competed in the Girls Golf State Championship at the Edison Club in Rexford, NY. She shot a 78 in round one and then a 76 in round two. Her two-day total of 154 (+10) landed her an 8th place finish in the state. She also helped Section VIII to a third place state finish.

Chen’s individual 8th place finish initially earned her an alternate roster spot for the Federation Tournament but due to a few of the top six golfers withdrawing from the tournament, she has now been promoted to a roster spot to compete against the top private school golfers and catholic school golfers in New York State. She played Bethpage Red on June 11 and represented the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

Chen cites the influence of her father and sister for getting her into the sport. “I started playing golf when I was around six years old, because I got into it because my dad and my older sister we both play golf. I just loved getting the experience to just get better every single practice session. And I know that there’s always room for improvement. So I think that’s what a part of the game of golf that really excites me to keep playing.”

Playing on a team was a bit of an adjustment, but Chen has been enjoying the cameraderie. “I think it’s pretty cool because you can aid each other and keep pushing each other to get better as a team. We have our individual scores but at the end of the day we’re still team.”

Chen fell in love with her consistent improvement and the challenge golf presented. “I just loved getting the experience to get better every practice session. And I know that there’s always room for improvement. I think that’s what a part of the game of golf that really excites me to keep playing.”

When asked what part of the game she prefers, Chen had a ready answer. “I think long game because honestly, I feel like it’s like a little bit easier for me. It comes more naturally. With short game, it’s a little bit more challenging for me, but I like how technical it can get. But yeah, I think it’s pretty interesting to keep working on short game, even though it’s not the strongest part of my game.”

Chen’s favorite moment of her freshman season was shooting a bogey-free round. “I think probably the best highlight of the season for me was shooting bogey-free 66 because that was my lowest rank so far in my personal career. And it’s also pretty cool to have a bogey free round like that.”

The young golfer’s advice for kids considering taking up golf is to take it easy and think long term. It’s a game that takes time, but practice provides consistent improvement. Says Chen, “I feel like it can be pretty frustrating. But I’ve learned to just like take every ball one at a time and the skill will soon follow. also just have fun with the game and not stress too much abou it. There’s always more holes ago, and it’s not a sprint. It’s more like a marathon.”

—With information from Manhasset Public Schools