Messenger photos by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge girls golf returning letterwinners for 2021 are (left to right): Makayla Newsom and Maddy Major. Not pictured: Alexis Kenney.

The Fort Dodge girls golf squad is focused on the big picture as the Dodgers work their way through the early stages of the 2021 season.

Fifth-year head coach Dave Louk is preaching patience with his team, which is still making up for lost time after missing all of last year due to the global pandemic. FDSH is trying to get better each and every day, hoping that the finished product in May will look much different than the early stages of the spring.

“I think the long-term outlook is positive,” Louk said. “The kids are very coachable and working hard. I can’t fault their effort at all. They want to get better. But in golf, that takes a pretty big commitment and you don’t always see immediate results.

“The important thing at this point is knowing they have the right attitude and develop a passion for good habits both on and off the course.”

Senior Maddy Major and juniors Makayla Newsom and Alexis Kenney return with varsity experience. All three were regulars in the lineup two seasons ago.

“Missing out on competitive golf during this stretch has us behind where we would be otherwise,” Louk said. “The key is to get our feel back in the short game in and around the green. That’s where you score.

“Maddy is very organized and a really solid leader for our program. Makayla and Alexis both have high ceilings. If we can continue to build their confidence through physical repetition and the right mental approach, they have a lot of room still to grow.”

Sophomore Kennedy Bailey is settling into a consistent role while sharing time with the Dodger soccer program. Classmates Kaylynne Gilliland, Alesha Strain and Kyla Ganzeveld are all making progress as well, according to Louk.

“That sophomore class could really have an impact here before all is said and done,” Louk said. “Again, it’s just a matter of putting in the time now. We continue to emphasize the fundamentals, and also, the fact that every stroke — whether it’s a drive, iron shot, chip or putt — is worth the same and adds up. You can’t waste any.

“Our lineup is going to be fluid for a while. Everyone is going to have the opportunity to step up and earn their spot.”

Sophomore Heidi Clay joins freshmen Reigan Grossnickle and Carsyn Zehr in the junior varsity lineup. Louk said “they’re all giving me their best aren’t too far off. It’s just a matter of honing their skills and turning their athleticism into results on the course through a better understanding of the swing — and the game in general.”

Louk will again be assisted by Ryan O’Leary.

2021 FORT DODGE GIRLS GOLF

Roster

Senior — Maddy Major.

Juniors — Makayla Newsom, Alexis Kenney.

Sophomores — Kennedy Bailey, Kaylynne Gilliland, Kylie Ganzeveld, Alesha Strain, Heidi Clay.

Freshmen — Reigan Grossnickle, Carsyn Zehr.

Schedule

April 20 — at Mason City; 22 — at Ankeny Invitational; 26 — at Ames Invitational; 27 — Ankeny; 29 — at Marshalltown Invitational.

May 5 — at Ankeny Centennial; 6 — Humboldt; 11 — Marshalltown; 14 — Fort Dodge Invitational; 19 — CIML Iowa Conference meet in Ames.