Update: Hillary Hernandez qualfied for the UIL state golf tournament as of Thursday afternoon.
Just one stroke separated Lehman High sophomore Hillary Hernandez from a UIL state golf tournament appearance last year. Since then, Hernandez has used that as fuel to reach her goal.
By carding a 143 at last week’s two-day District 14- 6A tournament, Hernandez was again a step away from state. Now having reached her second regional tournament in as many years, Hernandez hopes to emerge from the UIL 6A Region II tournament in Waco on April 15-16 with a ticket to state.
“I was actually pretty mad. I could have (reached state),” Hernandez said about missing the cut. “I hope to make it this year.”
Hernandez’s road back to the regional tournament began when she toured with her father in various Austin Junior Golf Association tournaments during the summer.
According to Hernandez, golf within the association is at “a higher level than high school golf.”
Lehman High golf coach Brian Hempel said Hernandez toured as far as Dallas and Houston for tournaments. He said her father, who has helped usher Hernandez into the golf scene, seeks out “the most prestigious tournaments to play in.”
For Hempel, the work Hernandez put on the golf course has helped improve her skills. While it’s taken time, ultimately “playing more golf against better golfers” in the AJGA made the difference.
“It’s made a big difference for her,” Hempel said. “She is seeing that she can get much better to compete with them. She’s risen to the challenge.”
It’s helped her adjust to play in 6A; she’s taken on golfers from two of the top nine teams in Lake Travis and Westlake, according to High School Golf Scoreboard. Included are Lake Travis’ Kaitlyn Papp, ranked third individually in 6A, and Westlake’s Kennedy Swann, who is ranked seventh.
Hernandez has stood her ground; she is currently ranked sixth individually in 6A. She attributes success to being used to high-level competition. Hernandez also gained knowledge of her district competitors; many of them tour and play against each other in the AJGA
“It helps (to play against them),”Hernandez said. “You get to know who you’re playing with.”
All of the work led up to the district tournament at Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin. But the pressure didn’t phase Hernandez, who carded a 69 on day one of the tournament. Her day included four birdies. But it also held what some described as a miraculous eagle on a par 5 hole that kept her with the lead pack. That eagle came after Hernandez bogeyed two holes and was three strokes behind the leaders.
After driving her tee shot into the woods, Hernandez had no choice but to punch a shot through a narrow four-foot clearance.
Using her skills, Hernandez placed her shot within a foot of the cup; she later one- putted for eagle and put herself a stroke back of the lead pack.
“That’s where we are with her,” Hempel said. “Her ability to overcome adversity ... I think that was the one piece we were missing last year when it came to qualify for state.”
Hernandez finished with a 74 on day two, al- lowing her to finish fourth overall at district.
The Region II tournament at the Cottonwood Golf Course in Waco will hold several challenges. Included with the higher level of competition will be a course that will test golfers with its length.
Hempel said the longer courses will force Hernandez to use her longer clubs, or irons, to reach the green. Previously, the tactic of drivers and wedges was employed by Hernandez and other district golfers.
“When we get there, the margin for error is going to compress,” Hempel said. “She will be surrounded by a lot of girls that are in the hunt for state.”
Hernandez’s quiet, yet intense demeanor could play a role. Hempel said her temperament “is perfect for golf.” Her ability to focus and balance competitiveness with discipline is key.
“She knows what it takes to be mentally prepared and she knows how to handle adversity,” Hempel said.
But for Hernandez, being able to compete against some of the state’s best while only a sophomore is gratifying.
“I’m proud of myself, actually, to be up there,” she said. “I guess it’s what I’ve always wanted, to compete at that level. I’m glad that I am.”
