BY MADISON MULLINS, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD -- Parker Stalvey starts of her golf match by practicing swings on the course. Just before her first putt, Stalvey studies her surroundings and decides the best way to start off the match. An impressive swing hits the ball off the tee while it flies into the air triumphantly.
Golf has been a part of Stalvey’s life since she was only six years old, and has continued to be a part of her life today. Everyday Parker is at a practice with her team, at a tournament, or included in golf somehow.
Stalvey is a freshman this year, and it is her first time on a high school team.
A "Natural From the Start"
Stalvey started to play golf the very day of her sixth birthday.
It all started with her dad.
“My dad was playing at the time and I liked to follow him on the course and watch him play. That’s how it mainly got started.” Stalvey recalled from her first memories of golf.
Ryan Stalvey is Parker’s father and has been a golfer most of his life as well, helping Parker become the best she can be.
“I started golf on my sixth birthday. We went outside and started practicing my swing with my dad,” recalled Parker. “I immediately fell in love with the sport.”
“After starting to practice I would watch my dad play on the course, and learn from him that way,” Parker said. “My dad always said I was a natural from the start.”
Stalvey has been in the US Kids World Championship in Pinehurst, South Carolina, an incredible five times in a row, and is still an amazing athlete for such a young age.
“The best part of being on a team is that I can talk about golf and play golf with other girls. You can also help someone out if they are struggling with their swing,” says Stalvey about her favorite part of being on a team.
“Also, it’s quite uncommon to find another girl my age on the course, but with a team, you can count on your teammates to be there for you,” continued Stalvey.
Between Sports and School
Stalvey not only juggles golf, but also school, and being with friends.
“Parker is a good golfer and student because she works hard in classes, even though she often misses days because of a tournament. She is not afraid to ask for help with homework, and continues to strive and be as happy as can be throughout the school day,” says Stalvey’s friend freshman Imani Diggs.
"It's not as easy as people think"
Stalvey has been a leading member of the Blythewood High School team, and her current ranking in the state is 124th for girl’s junior golfers in high school teams. Her best scores ever were 70 for 18 holes and a remarkable 29 for nine holes.
“My statistics for this year have been an average of 38 for nine holes, and 77 for 18,” Stalvey said.
“One thing everyone should know about golf is it’s not as easy as people think. If we were talking about basketball or football, a contact sport, there are a lot of things that could go wrong, but with golf, if you do something wrong by the slightest bit, the whole shot may be at stake,” Stalvey says.
“You must be mentally and physically prepared, everything depends on your one shot.” Stalvey commented about the challenges of golf. “Everything is very meticulous.”
Stalvey looks up to professional golfers Rory McIlroy, Paula Creamer, and Michelle Wie, and of course, her dad, Ryan Stalvey.
“I look up to the professionals and my dad mostly,” states Stalvey with a proud smile.
Everything Parker Stalvey has worked for in golf has paid off. All of the practicing, conditioning, waking up early and taking time from her school days are important in the physically and mentally demanding sport.
Stalvey hopes to become a professional golfer and tour as an adult, and to make a career out of her passion for the sport.
“I hope to make a career in it. When I grow up, the plan is to be a pro golfer on tour,” Stalvey stated.
Whatever Stalvey does in her future, golf is sure to leave a lasting memory on the young athlete’s life.
“It is definitely one of the best experiences I could ask for, especially as such a young athlete,” Stalvey comments.
Being a great golfer takes lots of talent, practice, hard work, and dedication. Without these components, Parker Stalvey could not do what she does daily to be an exceptional performer in the sport of golf, as she proves to be unceasingly.
