Local high school rules limited the field to three players in the Women’s District of Columbia Golf Association Junior Thursday at Belle Haven. But that didn’t make the performance of Nicole West any less impressive.
West, of Upper Marlboro, fired the best score of her career, a 5-under-par 67, on her way to a 19-stroke victory. It was the final tournament this summer for West before she departs for Hampton University, where she will play on a golf scholarship. Sister Dionne, a sophomore, also plays on scholarship at Hampton.
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The success of the West sisters is testament to their hard work and the power of the First Tee program, which teaches children of all backgrounds life lessons through golf.
But before they progressed through First Tee, the seed had to be sewn. That was the work of father, Bill West.
“He pushed me into it. I did it because I had to,” said Nicole West, 17. “When I started, he told me, ‘You’re either going to get a scholarship or go to the military.’ I didn’t want to go to the military.”
In forcing his daughters to the golf course, Bill West wasn’t just interested in getting them scholarships.
“Golf teaches you so many things about life,” said Bill West. “The scoring system is all about integrity. And you learn manners and respect, how to handle yourself around people.”
Nicole West handled herself well Thursday at Belle Haven in winning the WDCGA Junior for the second straight year. On the first hole, she reached the par-5 in two shots and made birdie, one of seven for her on the day.
“Even though I have allergies, I love golf,” said Nicole West. “Today the gnats were bad, but everything else was good.”
West’s 67 was one shot better than her previous best for 18 holes. Her best for 9 holes was a 29 on the back half at Marlton Golf Club.
Last fall, playing from the women’s tees, West fired a 73 to become the second girl ever to win the Prince George’s County public school championship. She finished the year with a 34.8 stroke average, best in the county, boys included.
In an effort to get ready for college competition, West regularly plays the men’s tees at Enterprise and Langston, and often beats her father, a 7 handicap, who now turns his attention to the youngest of his three daughters.
Eleven-year-old Micaa shot 53 Thursday to tie for second place (in a field of 15) in the 9-hole division of the WDCGA Junior for players 12-and-under.
“She’s on track,” said Bill West. “Maybe we can get another one on scholarship.”
