Sports : Despite pain, Tandy finishes 11th at State Golf Meet

Lauren Tandy finished 11th at the State Golf Meet this week.

Coach Janet Woodhouse was among those helping Lauren Tandy at the State Golf Meet.

A year and a half after doctors broke her pelvis bone in three places to repair a rare congenital hip problem, Lauren Tandy continues to recover while playing her favorite sport.

Lauren finished 11th this week in the two-day Class 4A State Golf Meet. She qualified for the individual tournament last week.

Famous among friends and family for her big smile, Lauren hid her pain with that smile during the 36 holes she played on Monday and Tuesday at the American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown.

“I decided to carry my clubs instead of using my pull cart for all 36, holes which wasn't my best decision.” Lauren says. “But I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I wanted to show myself that I have regained the strength from last season to be able to do that. I was so proud of myself for being able to stay strong physically and mentally the whole time even if I was in some pain.”

Most high school golf events are 9 or 18 holes; the state event was the longest of the year for Lauren.

“I am not used to playing that long of courses, but it was in great shape so that helped out a lot. I thought it was an overall great course to play a state tournament, with some of the challenges included in it.”

Lauren says she could not have come this far in her golf career without the help of her family, friends and coaches, including Vikette coach Janet Woodhouse.

“Mrs. Woodhouse always gives great advice,” says Lauren. “She said, ‘Go out there and do your best! But also remember to have fun you have earned this, do enjoy it!’”

Lauren’s goal is to return to State in her final year of high school, and have her teammates join her.

“My goal for next year is to have my team get to state,” she says. “I am setting up a schedule with Z, the pro who works with us, to see when we can do lessons as a team. I plan to play every day if allowed this summer. I am also planning to play in several tournaments this summer all over the state, many in Cedar Rapids and some in mason City.”

See an earlier story about Lauren’s recovery HERE.

See results HERE.