Taylor Phillips is one of the best girls golfers to ever come through southeast Iowa. That is saying something considering the recent New London High School graduate comes from a program which has churned out top-notch golfers and teams for years under coach Greg Lerdal. Phillips capped her brilliant high school career in the best possible fashion — winning the Class 1A state championship at American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown.
“It was great. I really enjoyed the whole season,” said Phillips, The Hawk Eye’s Girls Golfer of the Year. “I finished the season undefeated, which was very nice.
It was very difficult. I had to keep my mind in the right spot and not get nervous.” Phillips qualified for state all four years, helping the Tigers finish second once and fourth three times.
Phillips finished tied for eighth as a freshman, tied for third as a sophomore and was the state runner-up her junior season. Phillips didn’t have to look far to find someone to push her. Fellow New London senior Sophie Malott gave Phillips all she could handle every day in practice and at meets.
That raised both of their games to another level, which in turn made the team better. “We were partners in practice every day, so that really kept us on our toes,” Phillips said. “I think it helped us develop and become better golfers.
I had to push myself every day because she was always right there with me.” Phillips also developed friendly rivalries with Burlington senior Lauren .