Golf: Anderson takes first in Iola scramble

The Rhinelander High School girls’ golf team got to play in a different style of competitive format on Monday, taking part in a scramble event with five other schools at Glacier Wood Golf Course in Iola.

Hodag senior Nevaeh Anderson, playing in a threesome that included players from Stevens Point and Seymour, shot 40 on the day as her team won the event. 

Much like when weekend warriors get out on the course for a scramble — where all players in the group hit from the same spot, choose the best shot of the bunch and continue that process until the ball in holed — Hodag coach Adam Schmidt said Monday’s casual format allowed the team to swing more freely than a traditional stroke play event. 

“It was just kind of just kind of a fun event. You know, they just they had fun. They didn’t have to like be stressed out,” he said. 

In particular, Schmidt said Anderson was striking the ball well off the tee, which set her team up for more scoring chances. 

“Nevaeh hit the ball a really well,” he said. “One of the holes she nearly drove the green. She was actually pin high, a little long, actually. So she hit the really well off the tee.”

Lindsey Hoerchler’s team and Addisyn Loka’s both shot 45. Ella Miljevich’s team carded a 46 while Hayley Schiek’s team shot 47. Full results and pairing had not been provided to the River News as of press time.

“Lindsey, just following her around, she was hitting the ball really well. A lot of girls were putting well, and then rest of them just really had fun. It was just a nice, relaxing event playing a scramble,” Schmidt said. “They just enjoyed it. They met some new people and it was cool to meet new people and get a chance to play.”

Despite the event being different from the traditional stroke-play format, Schmidt said there was still plenty his players could take away from the meet as they prepare for the home stretch of the regular season.

“It was just good to play a little more competition and, you know, we’re going over the rules and stuff. so that was good to just learn the rules again and keep working on that,” Schmidt said.

The Hodags were in Wausau Thursday for an invite at Trapp River Golf Course and will travel to Burlington this coming Monday.   

Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].