Northfield senior Molly Stevens lives across the street from the Northfield Golf Club. She beats a path to the fourth hole on a nightly basis after the other golfers have disappeared, working on her short game and putting.
Stevens has developed into the best girls' golfer in school history. She will conclude her career with a fourth consecutive appearance in the Class 3A state tournament Tuesday at Bunker Hills Golf Club in Coon Rapids. The two-day event will conclude Wednesday.
Stevens tied for second place in the state tournament a year ago. She shot an even-par 72 in the opening round before finishing with a 74.
"There will be a little pressure since I finished second last year, and I want to improve on that," said Stevens, who tied for 14th place as a freshman and 32nd her sophomore season. "I've learned how to manage pressure better as I've gotten older."
Seven of the top eight finishers from last year are in the field that tees off Tuesday. Five are sophomores or younger, including the defending state champion, Blaine eighth-grader Kathryn VanArragon.
"Oh my gosh! There is a lot of talent in Class 3A, and they are all young," Stevens said. "I don't know how they do it at such a young age."
Stevens was one of the eight finalists for Ms. Minnesota Golf, presented to the top high school female senior based on performance, academic achievement and strength of character.
"What has been so fascinating for us is to watch her passion and dedication to be better emerge as she grew older," said Northfield coach Brian Stevens, the father of Molly and freshman Nate, who qualified for the boys' field for the second consecutive year. "Molly's performance has gone beyond our expectations."
