BERLIN – There is no question that Camden Billie would love to have some company on his return trip to State. If not for a controversial ending to the Div. III District between Hiland and its bitter rival Garaway, Billie would have an entire team with him.
Instead, the difference of a stroke is what ended the Hawks’ dream this year as a golfer’s view of a seven or a six was the final difference.
“Yeah, for sure, it really stinks not going with my team,” lamented Billie. “I love playing with these guys, we had a goal to get down here and win, so it stinks that we came up short. I am very grateful for the season with all these guys, and I know they’ll be working hard in the offseason to get down here next year.”
The Hawks’ senior will be making the trip himself this year, after firing a 75 at the Div. III East District at Rivergreens Golf Club. The round that consisted of 12 pars and a pair of eagles earned Billie the second-best score on the day, a ticket back to State and a chance to play on a familiar course, NorthStar. It’s a place that Billie has played a couple times already this year and the chance to go back-to-back to State, that feeling is still settling home.
“It’s really awesome, I mean it’s always a great achievement to make it to state,” said Billie. “But two times in a row, that is even more surreal.”
A year ago, the Hiland standout played on the OSU Scarlet Course, where he fired an 82 and an 84 to finish 28th in the Div. III State Golf. This year, he looks at his improvements in his game, the consistency it has produced throughout the season as to how he will improve this time around.
“I felt that at Scarlet, I really did give it my all, but I felt like I could have done much better,” said Billie. “So, I really worked on things that I struggled with at State last year, like my driver, grinded on my wedges and putting, because that is really where you score.”
As for the strength of his game, it’s his ability to drive the ball and shorten up the game that he feels plays into his deck of cards. It’s something that he has worked to sharpen and hone his skills further this year, and it’s paying off.
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“I’ve always hit the ball pretty far, so when I hit my driver well most of the time that is when I play my best,” said Billie. “I did work on hitting the same shot shape leading to more fairways for me.”
The end result has the senior shooting an average of 78.5 on rounds of 18 this year, with a season best 74. That consistency will bode well for Billie as he looks to finish an already fun filled senior year, with a final hurrah. One that he credits his coach Austin Kaufman for having a huge hand in.
“This year has meant everything, it’s been so much fun, I couldn’t have asked for a better senior year,” added Billie. “Yeah, the program has been awesome and it’s all thanks to Coach Austin. He’s been the best coach I could ask for the past four years; he’s really taught me a lot and I am extremely thankful for his insights and tips.”
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Now for Billie, it is conquering his date with State and more importantly, NorthStar Golf Course and starting with his practice round on Thursday. It’s a two-day event that he will seek to put together his two best rounds yet, with a calm mindset and belief in the game that he has.
“I just want to be present and realize it’s just another golf tournament,” said the senior. “I’ve played in so many now, and yes, this one has a bigger meaning to it, but it’s golf. It’s no different than playing 18 at Fire Ridge with my buddies or 18 at Districts last week.
“I’m going to remind myself that I’ve put in the work and “the hay is in the barn”. There’s nothing more I can do to prepare. I know I’ll be ready come Friday morning and I just have to have that confidence in myself and trust my instincts. Sure, there will be some nerves but as an athlete you live for pressure and nerves so just finding a way to channel those nerves into positive energy and go out and perform at my best.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Camden Billie, back-to-back State qualifier, looks for best rounds yet
