The Brighton High girls golf team is looking to improve its No. 4 ranking in the state 5A classification in the UHSAA state tournament.  

Head coach Ron Meyer, now in his sixth year at the helm of both the boys and girls teams, expressed optimism about the team’s prospects. “We’ve got a great team full of promising underclassmen,” Meyer said. “Even though we have no seniors this year, our goal is always the same: to develop self-control, to cultivate personal integrity and to foster a life-long love for the game of golf. That being said, we certainly want to not only be competitive within one of the toughest regions in the state, but we also strive to raise the level of competition at the Utah state championship.”  

The team is led by co-captains Cate Cook, Phoebe Selander and Hannah Wixom. Cook finished in the top 10 at last year’s state tournament and has a 77.4 average through six tournaments. The Bengals have welcomed freshman Claire Olafsson to the varsity team. Olafsson has had a phenomenal year thus far achieving a 77.8 average through six tournaments. 

Cook, a junior, has been playing golf since she was in first grade. “I’ve learned a lot about life by playing golf,” she said. “I think golf might be one of the most mentally challenging sports out there. We’re out on the course dealing with mental battles for about four hours. I’ve learned it’s really hard to play a good round of golf if I’m not positive and in a good place mentally. I think the same thing goes for life in general. If you keep a positive attitude and aren’t super hard on yourself when you mess up, you’re more likely to succeed.”

Cook’s favorite part of being on the team is building relationships. “I’ve loved getting to know everyone on the team throughout the years and spending time on the golf course with them. Our coaches are also amazing and make practices fun and enjoyable. Also, the friendships you make with girls from other teams during tournaments is something so unique to golf. You are less of competitors with each other and more so just friends having fun. ̈

Olafsson, a freshman who has been playing golf since she was a small child, has learned many things while on the Brighton team and playing golf in general. “Something that I have learned while golfing are the concepts of patience, as well as focusing on the process,” she said. “I have learned that when I concentrate on the next move and am only thinking about the shot I’m about to hit, as opposed to the outcome that I wish for, the results will eventually come.” 

Her favorite part about being on the Brighton team is being able to make new friends. “I learn from both teammates and competitors,” she added. 

Junior standout, Phoebe Selander, has contributed significantly this season. “The competition here in Region 6 is tough, but we’re working hard to improve our game,” Selander said. “The support from my teammates and coaches has been incredible.”

Brighton’s home course, Old Mill Golf Course, has been a significant factor in the team’s success. The challenging layout, with its narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers, has helped the Bengals develop a strong short game and course management skills. 

The Bengals’ schedule includes matches against tough Region 6 rivals like Skyline, East, Olympus, Highland, Alta and West. The Brighton JV team participated in several invitational tournaments, including a round with Corner Canyon’s JV squad, providing valuable experience against top-tier competition from other great teams in the state.

BHS Athletic Director Garrett Wilson praised the golf program’s consistent excellence. “Our girls’ golf team has been a source of pride for Brighton High School. They exemplify the values of sportsmanship, academic achievement and athletic excellence that we strive for in all our programs.”

As the season wraps up, look for the Bengals at the 5A state championship tournament at Glendale. With a blend of experienced leadership, emerging talent and strong community backing, the Brighton High girls golf team is poised for another exciting finish to the season. As they tee off at the championship, the Bengals are not just aiming for birdies and eagles – they’re setting their sights on making their community of Cottonwood Heights proud. λ