Photo Gallery: Golf Teams Prove Swinging Success

It might not draw the most spectators.

There might be less hype and fanfare than a few other fall prep sports.

But, in reality, there is plenty for Grosse Pointers to cheer about when it comes to the girls golf teams at both and .

The Lady Blue Devils

South ranks among the top teams in the entire state. 

On the heels of a fourth-place finish at the state finals last season, the Lady Blue Devils are not only talented players, they're also a team comprised of high golf IQ's.

"We stress course management," South coach Peter Kingsley said. "And we work very hard on our game from 80 yards and in. This is how you score well when you're not hitting the ball as well as you can that day."

This emphasis is what separates the squad from much of the competition and could be the key to the team's run at a Division 1 title this season.

These expectations, however, are not on the minds of Kingsley, or any of his players.

"We just take it one shot at a time," Kingsley said. "We don't need any pressure of expectations or anything like that. This team just goes out and plays and whatever happens after that happens. They have such great mental approaches to the game, and that's a big part of it."

Led by co-captains Ella Pendy and Claire Boyle, South plays with an even-tempered poise that has resulted in low scores and much success thus far in 2011.

"They're comfortable playing with anybody," Kingsley said. "And they're a very mentally strong team too. That helps so much in golf."

South is currently the top squad in the Macomb Area Conference Red Division at 7-0.

The Lady Norsemen

At North, the squad is about chemistry and is among a short list of programs on the rise in the area.

"We've got a great group of four juniors," North coach Brian Stackpoole said. "We're a Division 2 school, and being a part of the MAC Red, and playing these very good Division 1 teams, such as Grosse Pointe South, really helps us."

Annie Lesha, Ali Scoggin, Paige Micks and Jenna Paglino comprise the junior class that the coach raves about, while sophomores Jordyn Parent and Madison Vens round out the varsity roster at North.

"These juniors really lead by example," Stackpoole said. "And the entire team really does a good job of helping each other out, too. It's a great group, and one that's getting better and better."

This mix of personality, willingness to learn and progression, might make North a dark horse once the state playoffs roll around in early October.

North begins regional play Oct. 6 in Holly at Heather Highlands Golf Course, while South will tee it up Oct. 6 at Tanglewood Golf Club in Northville.