Madison Contreras and Caleb Kimbro

Writers

As senior Allison Riddle encounters her final year at Marlow High School, she finds that it was not the hole-in-one’s that have taught her the greatest lessons in life.

After playing on the Marlow golf team since 7th grade, Riddle’s personality has greatly developed through the things she has learned during her time playing.

“When playing golf, you have to take everything with a grain of salt. You can’t get mad. You have to let it roll off the back of your shoulder,” said Riddle. “When it’s done, it’s done, and you can’t change that. You just have to move on.”

Seeing how she has developed over the years, sophomore Miranda Martinez describes Riddle’s growth during their time golfing together.

“When I first met Alli, she would help the team with little things, like our swing or aim. As time went on, she started helping us with harder things; things outside of golf,” Martinez said. “She’s growing, and we’re growing with her.”

Even senior Abby Kelly, a close friend of Riddle’s who is not on the team, has seen Alli’s growth since her time being involved in golf.

“Since I met Alli, she has become a little more outgoing and friendlier,” said Kelly. “She has also become more of a leader through stagecraft and progressing in the golf team.”

Agreeing with Martinez’ and Kelly’s statements, head girls golf coach Mikey Eaves has seen Riddle’s personality spread amongst fellow team members.

“Alli is the leader of the team,” Eaves said. “Her love for the sport is contagious, and it really helps each of her teammates to want to get better daily.”

Through the course of Riddle’s golf history, she has learned many important lessons that will stay with her throughout her life and assist her in future endeavors.

“When you play golf and go to all of these tournaments, you develop good leadership skills, such as how to talk to people and work well with others,” said Riddle. “Also, you learn to forget about the bad things in life, just like when I have to forget about a bad hole I putt.”

After high school, Riddle plans to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University on a golf scholarship.