Keene Triumphs with Consistent Play in North Dakota Golf Championships
FARGO — Zoe Keene made a significant change to her driver mid-fall season by switching shafts. Although her teammates jokingly refer to it as ‘ugly,’ her performance on the course was anything but that as the season progressed.
The reigning North Dakota Class A girls champion secured her victory over Rose Solberg from Davies through a two-hole playoff. As she approached the 16th hole at Fargo Country Club, Keene was one stroke behind her opponent.
Utilizing her driver effectively on the 16th, 17th, 18th, and throughout the playoff holes, Keene consistently placed herself in a position to win. The turning point came when Solberg’s second playoff shot on the 10th hole clipped a tree, complicating her chances of securing her second individual state title.
Dan Wolf, coach of the Mustangs, noted how Keene’s teammates tease her about her driver. “That’s a pretty good shot for an ugly driver,” they often quip. Wolf added that the adjustment allowed Keene to feel confident in her driving, which she demonstrated effectively during the match.
After birdying two of the last three holes, Keene managed to erase a four-shot deficit from the previous round, concluding with a score of 69 while Solberg, despite five birdies, faltered with double bogeys on two par-3 holes, finishing with a 73.
Keene expressed her satisfaction, stating, “I felt like my position was so much better than Rose’s. I would much rather fight back than stay where she’s at.” Both players are known for their powerful drives, averaging around 270 yards, which significantly impacts their game.
Despite challenging windy conditions affecting their play, Keene’s resilience shined through. Solberg struggled, missing crucial putts that allowed Keene to tie the match at the final hole. When Keene’s solid drive on the 10th playoff hole positioned her advantageously, she simply needed to two-putt for victory.
“At the end of the day, I just have to remember that golf is not everything,” Solberg reflected, acknowledging Keene’s skill and tenacity throughout their season. For Keene, the triumph was a culmination of hard work, proving she belongs among the best in the state.