- April 18, 2024
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Matanzas golfer Caitlynn Reuter. Photo by Ray Boone
Caitlynn Reuter hits a shot during a match. File photo
She knew she made a mistake.
Facing an uphill 20-foot putt for birdie on the final hole of the regional tournament at the Blue Sky Golf Club on Monday, Oct. 22, in Jacksonville, Matanzas golfer Caitlynn Reuter misjudged the speed of the inconsistent green. Her putt rocketed 10 feet past the hole.
As she lined up her lengthy par putt, she had to steady her emotions. A miss could mean a premature end to her high school golf career.
She marked her ball. She analyzed every blade of grass between her ball and the cup, scoping out every possible break in the green. She placed her ball back down. She took a deep breath, and she was ready.
Reuter knew it was good when the ball was about halfway complete with its journey. It rammed into the back of the cup and plopped in.
She dropped to the ground and broke out in tears. Her high school career wasn’t over. She still has one more tournament to play.
Reuter’s even-par 72 was her lowest round ever in an 18-hole tournament and ensured her a spot in the State Championship.
She was the only Matanzas golfer to qualify for states. However, the Pirates still had a remarkable 2018 season, winning 10 matches and placing second in a tri-match. The Pirates won seven matches and lost four in 2017 — Reuter’s first year with the team.
“It’s amazing to be a part of such a great team and to have such an amazing outcome, especially with it being my last year,” said Reuter, who transferred from Mainland High School before the start of her junior year.
Brandie Alred has been the head coach of the girls golf team for the past two seasons. Her description of what it’s like to coach Reuter: joyful.
“Every time we go out and play other teams, all the other opponents always love to play with her,” Alred said. “She’s so encouraging, helpful and is a joy to play with.
“She’s definitely an inspiration and leader of this team.”
Reuter’s high school career will come to an end at the State Championship, held at Mission Inn Resort on Nov. 2-3 in Howey-in-the-Hills. It’ll be the first time she has competed at the state level as an individual. She last played in the tournament when Mainland qualified as a team her freshman year.
“I think it’ll be an emotional but very exciting weekend,” she said. “I think I’ll have great support and amazing people around me to help finish my high school career off right.”
