The 2014 high school golf season has been good for twins Daria and Shaye Leidenius who both placed in the top 10 at high school provincials.
Daria and Shaye competed in the Alberta High School Provincial Golf Championships Monday Sept. 29 and Tuesday, Sept. 30 hosted at the River Spirit Golf Course and the Redwood Meadows Golf and Country Club.
Both placed in the top 10 of approximately 80 other girls from around Alberta with Daria placing second and Shaye, seventh. For Daria the first day was her best performance. She shot for 73 on a 71-par course.
“I had the round of my life the first day,” explained Daria.
She had a strong showing that day and found a stride with each hit of the ball. The second day proved more of a mental challenge for her and Daria finished with 85 strokes. “I kind of got in my head.”
One of her biggest challenges was dwelling on shots that didn’t do well rather than focusing on the next hole, however, she learned some valuable lessons as well.
“I just knew I needed to work on my mental game,” she explained.
This was Shaye’s first time competing at the high school provincial level and she said she directed her energy on playing well. She shot 80 strokes on the first day.
“I focus on my own game because that’s the only way you can play well,” said Daria.
A leg muscle pulled on the first day did not make matters any easier for her on the second day and Shaye ended up shooting 90 strokes that day. She admits to feeling disappointed with her performance but like her sister, Daria, Shaye feels if she had kept positive, the score may have been different.
Both golfers are eligible to compete in youth golf tournaments for one more year.