South Lenoir’s golf team consists of, from left, Penelope Rouse, Callie Eason, Rebekah Heath, Lydia Walston and Natalie Dail. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

The only girls’ golf program in the area resides at South Lenoir.

In 2018, the Blue Devils brought back their girls’ golf program and have continued it this season. South Lenoir played its lone home meet Tuesday at the Kinston Country Club against West Craven and Washington — there are only three teams playing in the Eastern Carolina Conference and the Eagles have just one golfer in Georgia Dawson.

Blue Devils coach Amy Eason said it can be tough to get girls to play the game for an assortment of reasons.

“It’s hard to give up volleyball and cheerleading for some, then pick up a sport they’re not as comfortable with,” Eason said. “A lot of teens can be self-conscious and it can be difficult to convince someone to play a sport they don’t feel they can immediately be good at.”

Eason did get her daughter, Callie, to play. Eason is South Lenoir’s lone returning player from last season and said it took a bit of time to grasp the sport, but she likes it.

“My parents convinced me to play, but I enjoyed it,” Eason said. “It’s a sport you can play in your 50s and when you’re younger, so you can learn at any time. Last year, we didn’t have a very experienced team and not too many girls played it. This year, we’ve got more girls who know the game and are more athletic.”

Lydia Walston is among one of the new golfers who said she wanted to give the sport a chance.

“I wanted to try something different and I thought this was a good opportunity,” Walston said. “One of my favorite teachers told me it was best to do something that challenges me, and I chose golf.”

Amy Eason said the Kinston and Falling Creek Country Clubs have been extremely helpful throughout the season.

“They’ve donated equipment for the girls and (PGA Professional) Jason York has come out to give them pointers,” Eason said. “Roy Jones has also been a big help with the team and we’re definitely appreciative. I feel like a lot of the golf professionals are excited whenever young players take an interest in the sport and are more than happy to give their time to help them improve.”

 TUESDAY’S RESULTS

Washington 169, West Craven 171, South Lenoir 179

Georgia Dawson (WC) 45, Lilly Davis (W) 54, Callie Eason (SL) 56, Sydney O’Neal (W) 57, Rebekah Heath (SL) 58