Clara Tran Collects Memories To Last A Lifetime In Drive, Chip & Putt Golf Competitions

PRATTVILLE- State competitions in any sporting event are always filled with superb talent. Clara Tran is one of those gifted golfers who qualified for the State Drive, Chip & Putt contest held in Prattville. The Sparkman High sophomore finished seventh in the 14-15-year old division where she posted a final total score of 101.

“I felt good going into the competition, was a little nervous and gave it my best shot,” said Clara, 15, who competed in her last Drive, Chip & Drive event in the division with the oldest competitors.

After winning the local regional event at Hampton Cove Golf Course, which qualified her for the state competition, Clara readied for her chance at winning in her last event by lots of practice. Her and her father, Hugh, arrived the night before the scheduled event and actually took in some practice time. Upon rising the next morning, the two made their way to the golf course at least two and a half hours prior to the start of the event. Clara spent close to 90 minutes chipping and putting before she made her way to the driving range where she prepped for the long-ball event of the three-skill competition.

Each competitor had three shots in each skill where points were gathered on each of the shots. In the chipping event, Clara finished fourth with 23 points with her best effort finishing a foot from the hole. In the putting, she posted 55 points, which tied her for first place with three others. A tie-breaker system used for ties put Clara in fourth place. In the driving, Clara used accuracy to put her first two shots into play but some distance behind most of the other players. Her third effort was not in play. She finished with 23 points.

“I feel I could have done better, but I made a lot of new friends in this event and it was fun,” added Clara, who plays No. 1 on the Sparkman girl’s golf team.

Just weeks before the Drive Chip & Putt event, the Sparkman teen competed in the 2021 World Teen Championships held at Pinehurst Golf Course near Fayetteville, N.C. She was among the 15-18-year old division where she shot rounds of 88, 82 and 93 to post a three-day score of 263 good enough for No. 81 among the 110 participants, many of which were older than the Harvest resident.

“The course (Pinehurst No. 5) was really long, it was very hot and tiring,” said Clara of the three-day event held with temperatures in the low 90’s. “I injured my left elbow going into the third round and it really hurt on my backswing. I kept playing and was determined not to quit.”

The trip to Pinehurst was her third time to play there as she qualified through the local golf tour. Overall, the great experiences she lived in the event will last a lifetime.

Clara has planned to work on some swing changes during the upcoming off season to try and eliminate the stress placed on her left elbow. She may play in a couple tournaments this fall before teeing it up for the 2022 high school golf season.

“This year I definitely made some great memories,” added Clara.