W+H girls begin golf season in dominant style again

By Briana Li ‘25

Joined by head coach Jim Howard, the girls’ golf team proudly hoists the Red Devil Invitational team championship trophy.

As the undefeated state champion for the past two years, Wardlaw+Hartridge’s girls’ golf team has once again proven its excellence and diligence with a perfect record thus far in the 2023 season. Currently with a 9-0 record in the regular season, the Rams are on the right track to complete another star-studded season with numerous accomplishments.

Following a victorious season last year having taken home the GMCs, State Prep Tournament, and New Jersey State Championship, the Rams have only continued riding the high and showcasing brilliant talent. The top four starters of the golf team are Sarah Shao ‘24, Claire Lu ‘24, Tanya Chowdary ‘24, and Ava Choi ‘25, with the three juniors taking the role of co-captains. These girls have worked and persevered for their victories and successes.

“Golf has been good. The team works really hard and I enjoy playing on the team,” Claire Lu said, “I’ve played well in matches and hope to continue doing so.”

The girls’ golf team has certainly experienced grand successes. In the 2023 Red Devils Invitational at the Copper Hill Country Club, W+H earned the team title with Sarah Shao winning the individual championship, and shooting a 2-under par 71, and Claire Lu being tied for second place with a 2-over-par round of 75.

“Our season has been going well, and we are looking to continue this trend. My team members are absolutely amazing and having the same goals is an additional bonus for the entire team,” Sarah said.. “It’s definitely motivating and rewarding to have done well thus far, but I’m just as excited for the rest of the season and what it has in store for us.”

Led by head coach Jim Howard, who was named NJ Coach of the Year, these players have thrived along with the alumni who now play collegiate level golf. Coach Howard continuously pushes players to their full potential and helps them excel among other players.

“We are undefeated so far for the past two years, and I’m so excited to continue playing for W+H for the rest of high school. My teammates are always so supportive and motivating as well as making golf fun to play!” Ava Choi said.

The two-time defending state championships with a 34-0 record since 2020 are heading to the 2023 State Championship on May 16 with hopes of securing a third consecutive championship, undoubtedly establishing their superiority on the golf course.

“Our team has worked so hard this season and progressed incredibly this year and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the girls. We’ve had to play through the rain, wind, and shine, and have been strengthening our team bond on and off the course which is what made this golf season so fun. One of our biggest highlights from this year so far was winning the Red Devils tournament for which we all worked hard to play our best, and I can safely say that the girls are so proud of each other’s achievements and advancements this season,” Chowdary said.