Jade VanEyk has worked hard to become one of the top golfers in the area.

But while her technical skills have improved, it is VanEyk’s mentality that has taken her to the next level as Holland Christian’s top golfer.

“Jade’s demeanor on the golf course is part of the reason why she has been so successful,” Holland Christian coach Paul Klokkert said. “Many high school golfers struggle with being able to recover from a disappointing shot or even a series of holes. However, Jade tends to be very even keeled on the golf course. She doesn’t overreact to a wayward drive or a shot that doesn’t go as planned. She is able to move on and not let it snowball into a bigger obstacle.”

Having a short memory has proved a key asset for VanEyk.

“I think that my biggest strength is that I don’t usually get in my own head. I like to remember that a bad shot doesn’t make a bad hole unless you let it,” VanEyk said. “I definitely hit bad shots and have bad holes, but I try my best to move on from it and do better the next time. Having a strong mental game in golf is super important, and I’ve found that it helps keep my scores lower and more consistent. It is also way more fun if you don’t take the bad shots too seriously.”

It took a while for that mentality to set in, but it has separated VanEyk, especially when she has to bounce back from a tough hole.

“I like to remember that a bad shot doesn’t mean anything. Everyone has bad shots, but I don’t like to think that a bad shot will ruin my score,” she said. “I always want to do my best when I’m playing, but I also want to be able to have fun on the course. I just always try to remember that I have a new chance to do well on the next shot.”

With that consistent mindset, VanEyk’s game has become more consistent, too.

“I am hitting the ball better, and more consistently,” she said. “I’ve only been playing for a couple of years and as I have been playing more and more, my ability to hit the ball well more consistently, has improved a lot.”

She is averaging 48 strokes per 9 holes, a huge improvement from 52 last year.

“Jade is as consistent as they come,” Klokkert said. “As a coach that is a big advantage to be able to know how your players will react when they face challenges on the golf course, and what you can expect from them day-to-day. Jade certainly has the potential to be a top golfer in the OK Blue Conference and thus far we have seen that potential be realized.”

— Follow Sports Editor Dan D’Addona on Twitter @DanDAddona and Facebook @Holland Sentinel Sports.