After placing sixth in the Northern California (NorCal) Championships last season, the girls golf team aims for a bigger goal: to set foot in the California Interscholastic Foundation (CIF) State Championships this year.

“Making it to States would be amazing and an unforgettable experience as a senior and the captain of the team.”

Stephanie Yu

Over the past two years, the team has improved from only qualifying for the Central Coast Section (CCS) Championships to playing in the NorCal Championships.

Although many team members were satisfied with their performance in NorCals, competing for the State Championship is the chief aim for returning players this year. Most team members have high hopes for this achievement.

“During my years on the team, the farthest we’ve made it was [the NorCal Championship],”  senior Stephanie Yu said. “Making it to States would be amazing and an unforgettable experience as a senior and the captain of the team.”

The girls started its first practice a week before school began, and the team played the first scrimmage against Harker School on Aug. 23 at the Palo Alto Hills Country Club. Although most members of the team were somewhat unsatisfied with their performance, the team still defeated Harker School with a score of 198-229.

“Although I feel the loss [of the seniors], I’m excited for the new season and opportunities to bond with the new members of our team.”

Stephanie Yu

“Our goal was to get 185 under,”  junior Jasmine Choi said. “Some people shot really well and others could have shot better.

The team played in another tournament on Sept. 7 at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club and placed first in the tournament with a total shot of 396.

“In our team, Stephanie Yu played the best,” Choi said. “She shot 75.”

The majority of the team is made up of returning players, despite the loss of six seniors and the addition of five freshmen.

Paly does not have a junior varsity (JV) team this year.

“Although I feel the loss [of the seniors], I’m excited for the new season and opportunities to bond with the new members of our team,” Yu said.

Since  the team’s home course, Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course, is undergoing renovation, it has been  difficult for members to find a course to practice on  cohesively.

However, members are still improving their skills by competing individually. Especially in tournaments.

“Every player in our starting lineup plays competitively outside of school, and many of us participate at the national level,” Yu said. “As a result, I have very high hopes for the team.”