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By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Highlands girls varsity golf team won 3rd place in the Smoky Mountain Conference Championship held over two days at Sky Valley Country Club and Sequoya National Golf Club in mid-October.
Highlands girls golf team from left are Evangelina Silverthorn, AnnaMaria Silverthorn, and Brooke Fogarty. Submitted Photo
The Lady Highlanders finished behind Cherokee and Swain County.
Highlands golf team is made up of Brooke Fogarty, AnnaMaria Silverthorn, and Evangelina Silverthorn.
Highlands Coach Luke Fogarty said the season was a “smashing success.”
Brooke earned low medalist at the conference championship and named and was also named 2023 Smoky Mountain Conference Golfer of the Year.
“Brooke finished 2nd place in Conference last season to Highlands Golf Legend Anna Stiehler,” said Luke. “Both last season and this season, her Conference scores were almost a stroke per hole better than her regular season scores. During the Conference Championships, she had the ability to flip a switch and go to a higher level and do what it takes to win.”
Highlands Brooke Fogarty chips onto the green at Highlands Falls Country Club earlier in the season.
AnnaMaria Silverthorn finished in Eighth Place and was named to the All-Conference Team.
“AnnaMaria Silverthorn was one of the most improved players in all of the Conference from last season to this season,” said Luke. “She had the lowest score in our first match of the season and was competitive in every round we played this year.”
Highlands AnnaMaria Silverthorn tees off at HFCC.
Luke said that Evangelina was able to compete against much more experienced players and was an important member of the team.
“Evangelina had never played golf before this season started, and with 6 weeks of hard work was able to compete in the Conference Championship,” said Luke. “She did everything asked of her by coaches and teammates and always had a positive attitude.”
Highlands Evangelina Silverthorn sinks a putt at HFCC.
Luke added that while the girls worked hard throughout the season, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of the golfing community.
AnnaMaria Silverthorn and Brooke Fogarty are also volunteer firefighters and emergency responders at Sky Valley – Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Submitted Photo
“Special Thank You to former Highlands Country Club Golf Professional Teeter Smith,” said Luke. “He provided instruction to the Team several times a week and we would not have been able to accomplish everything we did this season without him! And thank you to Highlands Country Club, Highland Falls, Old Edwards Club, and Sky Valley Country Club for allowing us to play/practice at their golf facilities.”
Highlands Evangelina Silverthorn sets herself up right next to the green at HFCC.
Highlands AnnaMaria Silverthron sets up a drive at HFCC.
Highlands Brooke Fogarty lines up her shot at HFCC after being invited to play by Club Champion Eileen O’Grady.
Highlands Evangelina Silverthorn tees off at HFCC.
Highlands AnnaMaria Silverthorn sends a deep drive down the fairway at HFCC.
Highlands Brooke Fogarty lines up her shot at HFCC.
From left are AnnaMaria Silverthorn smiling while watching Brooke Fogarty search for her ball at HFCC. Submitted Photo