Elk River-Zimmerman senior golfer Sadie Martin relays a simple yet daunting message to her younger teammates seeking improvement.
"I like to go out and play with people who are better than me so I can push myself to play as well as them," Martin said.
Competition has been readily available in Martin's family. Oldest sister Anne carded the third-lowest score for the Elks' 2005 big-school state championship team. Middle sister Molly finished fourth at state the next year.
Even when Martin steps out of the house, she is surrounded by golf. Her family lives on the 16th hole at the Links at Northfork golf course in Ramsey.
Martin took her place in the family's golf annals by placing eighth at state as a junior last season. It was the highest finish of her three consecutive state meet appearances. Along the way, she won the individual Class 3A, Section 7 crown and helped the Elks grab the section team title.
Martin, who will play golf next season at Augustana College, spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about gearing up for her senior season.
Q At the state meet you've jumped from 69th to 40th to eighth. What do you think about when you reflect on your performances?
A Well, in both my freshman and sophomore years I didn't have very good rounds at state so I was kind of disappointed. I had high hopes last year and I was really happy with where I placed.