As only a sophomore, Carl Albert High School’s Keegan Westlake tied for 9th at the 5A state golf championships.

“I wasn’t completely satisfied after the first day,” Westlake said. “My first round on day one was an average round, nothing special, but after that round I was thinking, going in the second 18, I know what I have to fix, so let’s fix it.” Westlake rallied.

“Final round of state, I had a clear head of just go out, play simple golf and try to make 18 pars, and it helped me to shoot 74 at one of the hardest golf courses I have played by far,” Westlake said. “I have been working on my mental game for my junior season making sure I can play the smartest golf on the course.”

The mental aspect of the game, Westlake said, is the biggest part of any player’s game.

“What makes it challenging for me is I make decision out on the course that lead to worse outcomes, but managing those mistakes is what is hardest for me,” Westlake said. “Making a mistake on your previous hold then having to hit a similar shot on the next can be tough.”

But, if anybody’s cut out for the uphill battle that is a round of golf, it’s Westlake. He started playing golf at 7 years old and was first introduced to it at The First Tee.

“It was huge to start out in The First Tee. It really taught me the basics of golf and I’m still in The First Tee now getting to apply for opportunities including The First Tee National Tournament and Pure Insurance Tournament at Pebble Beach.”

As he approached the back nine of his varsity career, Westlake’s goals for the rest of his high school career include winning state individually and bringing a championship back to CAHS.

“For me to represent Carl Albert Athletics is a big deal. We have great athletic programs at Carl that strive to be the best every year,” Westlake said. “Coach [John] Herbert is a great coach, and I’m glad to have him as our head coach.”

Westlake aspires to earn a scholarship to play college golf after his high school career.