Hodgkins heads to regionals for KHS
By LESTER MURRAY news2@kilgorenewsherald.com

Courtney Hodgkins graduates this year and will make her second appearance at regionals.

For some people golf is just a game, a way to get a little exercise or just get together for some fun. But for one Kilgore High School girl, golf is a passion.

Courtney Hodgkins, 17 and a senior at KHS, is one of three girls on the KHS golf team and on her way to regionals at Robsom Ranch in Denton.

Hodgkins is the only member of the golf team, boys or girls, to qualify for regionals after a fourth place finish at district competition.

Courtney said the practice day is on April 20, followed by two days of competition, 18 holes on the April 21 and 18 more the next day. "Last year the final day of regionals got rained out," said Courtney.

Courtney often practices with the boys team. She says she prefers that, but also spends time playing golf with the family - both her mom, Gail and her dad, Ronny. "The weakest part of my game is what you would call the short game," said Courtney. "I am best off the tee."

Courtney could have graduated in December, but chose to stay to compete. "I hope to find a college with a good golf program," said Courtney. "No decision has been made yet where I'm going."

Besides golf, Courtney is also a member of the KHS Anchor Club and she is a member of Texas Scholars.

Courtney said she uses Ping clubs and the number one ball in golf, Titleist.

Ronny said she averages about 240 to 250 yards on her drive.

"I love golf because it gives me patience, self assurance and I get to meet a lot of really nice people," said Courtney.

Gail said she just loves to watch Courtney play and playing golf as a family brings them closer. "Courtney had a foot injury earlier this year and couldn't play for a while, but still managed to come back and qualify for regionals," said Gail.

Courtney said she hopes other girls will come out for golf. After she and one other teammate graduate this spring, only one girl will be left for next year.

With her best round being an 84, Courtney hopes to top that at regionals. Courtney has been taught by Roy Pace, a golf pro who was also on the tour. "Her dad has also been a big influence on Courtney in her golf," said Gail.

Courtney practices her form on the tee box left and in the sand trap, just in case.

Courtney said she doesn't know what the future will hold for her when it comes to golf. "I will have to take it one day at a time," said Courtney, "Who knows, one day maybe the pros, but first I will get my degree in marketing and advertising."