Jackson Girls’ Golf Improving as Season Progresses

Jackson High School golfer Sheridan Maske watches her shot head toward the green during a match Wednesday at Ella Sharp Park Golf Course.  Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports.

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

Three years ago, the Jackson High School girls’ golf team was down to five players – nearly the minimum to post a team score.

A couple of years later – and some experience and growth – the Vikings are fighting for respectability in the Southeastern Conference White Division.

The Vikings finished third at their own tri-meet on Wednesday at Ella Sharp Park Golf Course.

Jackson finished with a four-man total of 199, three strokes behind Chelsea and 21 shots from Ann Arbor Skyline. The Vikings improved nearly 20 strokes from a tri-meet at Dexter earlier in the week.

Jackson finally has a decent number of players, giving some the chance to develop.

“It has been a challenge to get players at our school,” Barkholz said. “We had 14 players last year, but we are down a bit because of COVID-19.

“Ann Arbor Pioneer and Ann Arbor Skyline should be the two top schools in the SEC.”

But JHS Coach Kevin Barkholz sees the improvements in scoring, maturity and focus in his players. He looks to sophomore Natalie Kulka to be one of the top players in the league.

“It has been fun to see her grow into a competitive player … not just someone out there playing golf,” Barkholz said. “I see a lot more focus.”

Abby Hunt led the Titans in the SEC home opener with a 45. Kulka shot a 48, Felicia Huffman finished with a 50, and Sheridan Maske shot 56 for the Vikings.

There are 13 teams in the SEC with teams hosting tri-meets.

“Our goal is to be able to compete against the Ann Arbor schools,” Barkholz said. “We are getting closer.”

The Vikings will next compete at the Jackson Invitational on Friday, Sept. 11. The tournament is scheduled for 8 a.m.