Washington Evening Journal
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Bott wraps strong season at state golf tournament
By Joe Petz, The Hometown Current
Jun. 5, 2023 8:07 am
It’s a game you play where you hit good shot after good shot, score well and can’t wait to play again.
It’s also a game where you scatter shots, make a lot of bogeys, double bogeys and want to throw your clubs.
That’s golf — satisfying one day, frustrating the next. Ask any amateur.
Williamsburg’s Jaisel Bott experienced both sides of the spectrum Thursday and Friday, May 25-26, in the Class 3A girls’ state tournament at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course, Cedar Falls.
Day 1 was promising as Bott shot an 8-over-par 80 to put herself into a tie for fifth place. Her 18-hole round included one birdie, nine pars, seven bogeys and one double bogey.
Day 2 proved forgettable. Bott struggled making just four pars, four bogeys, eight double bogeys and two quadruple bogeys for a round of 99.
Her 2-day total of 179 was good for 26th place in the field of 70 players. Not the finish she wanted after being positioned where she was after round one.
“The State meet was a perfect example of how fickle the game of golf can be,” said Williamsburg coach Todd Subbert. “From one day to the next, you can be on or off. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what Jaisel experienced. Good vibes on Thursday and equally as low vibes on Friday. Certainly it was great that she made it to the state meet, you just don’t like to see it end like it did. But that’s golf, she’ll learn from it, and be better for it next year.”
The state tourney, where Bott placed fifth a year ago, capped another successful season for the Raider junior, who in 13 meets was medalist five times and runner-up twice. She averaged 43.6 strokes per 9 holes, 87.8 for 18.
“Overall, Jaisel had another great season to help lead our team,” Subbert said. “She stepped in and took the reins from Teagan (Schaefer) as our #1 player and did a great job consistently posting quality rounds. I know the state meet didn’t go the way she wanted, but I’m excited to see how she responds and plays next year. With her leadership for another year, I know we’re in good hands.”