Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Ann Veneziano hits an approach shot at Lakeside last year.

Maury Ruble does his best to simplify a very complicated game for his St. Edmond golfers.

“I go by ‘P.G.A.’ — posture, grip, alignment,” said Ruble, who takes over as head coach of the girls program this spring. “It has to all start there. Before any player can move on or expect more, they have to make sure they get the basics down pat.”

Ruble is hoping to build a foundation for his Gaels, who return three players with regular varsity experience from a year ago. Nine total golfers are on the roster, though nearly half are relatively new to the game – at least on a competitive level.

“We’ve been working together and finding out what they know and what they don’t,” Ruble said. “It’s a really good group, with diverse personalities and interests. An eclectic mix. But they all get along and treat each other well.

“Consistency will be a focus, both physically and mentally. We have to get the fundamentals down first and foremost.”

Juniors Irelyn Derrig, Azalya Hill and Ann Veneziano competed in every meet a season ago. Derrig is slated to be the top player on the scorecard when St. Edmond opens the year – weather permitting – with a triangular at South Central Calhoun on Tuesday.

Seniors Grace Fuller and Jillian Wildt, junior Abby Tofilon and freshmen Kaci McGonegle, Abby Webster and Ashlyn Swisher round out the roster.

“We’re spending a lot of time around the practice greens,” Ruble said. “Hitting a lot of chips and pitch shots from 20 yards in and concentrating on lag putting, as well as putts from five or six feet and closer. That’s where the scoring is done.

“We will get better as the season progresses. That’s the goal: to just keep improving every single day. The scoring will come, but there are no shortcuts to success.”

The Gaels’ home opener will be April 27. The CYO Tournament (April 29) will also be at Lakeside.

“Golf is such a mentally-driven sport,” Ruble said. “When you are young and inexperienced, you have to be willing to give yourself some grace and not be so hard on yourself. Don’t let one mistake turn into two or more. Accept every shot as its own thing and flush the bad shots out.

“You need to have a short memory and a clear mind. Staying focused and finding your own level of consistency in both your swing and your approach will go a long way for golfers of all ages and skill levels.”

2026 ST. EDMOND GIRLS GOLF

Roster

Seniors – Grace Fuller, Jillian Wildt.

Juniors – Irelyn Derrig, Azalya Hill, Ann Veneziano, Abby Tofilon.

Freshmen – Kaci McGonegle, Abby Webster, Ashlyn Swisher.

Schedule

April 7 – at South Central Calhoun; 14 – at Southeast Valley; 21 – at Algona; 24 – at Iowa Falls-Alden; 27 – Saydel; 29 – CYO meet at Lakeside; 30 – Webster City and Charles City.

May 7 – Clarion-Goldfield/Dows and Clear Lake; 11 – NCC meet at Mason City; 15 – Class 1A regional meet.