Mendocino launches women’s golf team

After rediscovering the joy of golf, Jozette Morales is now sharing her love of the game with teammates on the first women’s team at Mendocino College.

Following three seasons with the successful Ukiah High program, Morales put away her clubs as a senior. Yet she missed the friendships forged on the golf course.

Morales is a leader for the new Mendocino team, a small squad that makes up in commitment what they lack in experience.

“We’re getting better. Each tournament we’ll improve. We just want to have fun out there. It feels good to start a new team,” Morales said.

College officials launched the women’s golf program recognizing the depth of players at the youth level and beyond in Mendocino and neighboring counties. The team’s home is Ukiah Valley Golf Course.

“Getting the team off the ground was a big one, not only for the girls, but also for Mendocino College athletics,” said Mendocino coach Chris Mills. “Ukiah High School has always had a very competitive team since coach Chris Philbrick has taken over. So starting a women’s team at the junior college level will give girls not only in Mendocino County, but also the neighboring areas, a chance to play golf at the next level.”

The team could thrive as the program attracts more players who can compete in the college game, Philbrick said.

“It’s really good to have this program for our community,” Philbrick said. “They’ve got some building to do. I think it can be successful given time and some visibility.”

Mendocino plays in the always tough Big 8 Conference, which includes the club team at Santa Rosa Junior College. Three conference teams qualified for the Northern California finals last season, with Modesto advancing to the state championships.

League matches are held weekly, with the season running into November.

“Being that we are a first-year program, some of our goals are basic,” Mills said. “We are still in an early season form. Some of the strengths we display on a daily basis would be dedication and work ethic. These girls we have are out here every day striving to get better.”

While athletic, the players still had to become comfortable playing 18 holes. They are better at trusting swings and playing with greater confidence, Morales said.

“We’re enjoying the game,” she said. “If you try harder you’ll get there eventually. That’s the goal, to just improve on every hole.”

Shooting good scores can be difficult with players new to competitive golf.

Players are learning how to get around on the golf course, everything from club choice off the tee to reading breaks on greens. Then there is the time needed to develop short games, refining shots critical to lowering scores.

“Having a strong understanding of the management side of your game can save you a bunch of strokes per round. These girls seem to get better every time we go out,” Mills said.

Working together to lower scores, the players share a goal to stay in the game. They are putting Mendocino College women’s golf on the map.

“My teammates make it more enjoyable. That’s what has me stick with it,” Morales said. “Once you’re out there on the course it feels great.”

You can reach Staff Writer Michael Coit at 521-5470 or mike.coit@pressdemocrat.com.