Kendra Meeker braved the wind and rain to capture sixth place in the 1A High School State Golf Tournament with a score of 87.  Meeker, a sophomore at Friday Harbor High School, finished in 12th place in last year’s state tournament.

“She is an exciting player to watch. Kendra consistently out drives her fellow contestants by 50 to 100 yards,” said coach Jack Rice. “Once she gets her short game fine tuned, I expect some really low scores to be posted by her.”

One of the biggest obstacles players had to overcome was staying dry, especially when it came to their hands and equipment. Practicing in tough wet conditions on the island, helped Meeker maintain her composure and manage her equipment despite the weather.

But the road to placing six at state has not been an easy or short road, according to Rice.

At the district tournament Meeker had to finish in the top eight out of 17 players. She placed second at the district tournament behind Jordah Wyrick from Kings High School.

The next step was the tri-district tournament where, despite tough competition, Meeker placed six out of 38, allowing her to go on to the state tournament with the top 40 players in Washington. Only 20 players get to compete the final round.

Meeker now takes her place with successful female golfers of the past.

According to Kent Meeker, local golf historian, women’s golf has been very successful the past nine years. Almost every year since 2003 Friday Harbor High has had a female golfer in the state finals.

“One of the keys to our successful program is the junior golf camp hosted by San Juan Country Club,” said Rice. “This year the camp will be June 25th – 28th.”

Rice also thanks The Ladies and Men’s Golf Association at the San Juan Country Club; PGA Pro Tom Parkhurst; The Purple and Gold Club for their help and support of high school athletics; the Board of Directors for the San Juan Golf and Country Club and the staff, teachers and administration at the school district.

“And finally, all the parents for letting me have their kids for the last 10 weeks, the pleasure was all mine.” he said.

To see state tournament results visit www.wiaa.com/subcontent.aspx?SecID=295.