In a season where she made history just by stepping out on a golf course in a Harlan County High School polo, freshman Hailie Hensley took another step by becoming the first girl from HCHS to compete in the Region 10 Tournament on Tuesday at the Wasioto Winds course in Pineville.
Hensley finished 34th out of 47 girls with an 18-hole total of 135.
“Hailie started playing golf in June. It really baffles my mind to think she’s been playing the game for just a few months and she finished 34th in her first regional tournament,” Harlan County coach Greg Lewis said. “She’s picking up in concepts and swing thoughts very quickly. But the biggest thing for Hailie is she is blessed with great club head speed and she has a great putting stroke. Those are things you are born with, that can’t be taught.”
Wayne County’s Kelsey Collins was the medalist with an 84. Wayne County was the team champion with a 356. Clay County was second with a 398.
For Hensley, the regional trip was the end of the first step in helping build a girls golf program at her high school.
“Give her a couple years to get a few tournaments under her belt and time to work in her ball striking and short game, and she will be winning tournaments,” Lewis said. “This season has been a year of setting records, and Hailie has laid the foundation for Lady Bears golf going forward. Hopefully, more young ladies will see what she’s accomplishing and want to be a part of it. The future of the girls golf program is very bright with Hailie leading the way.”