ROCHELLE — This summer has been the toughest, but most exciting of Megan Thiravong’s golf career. As the Lady Hub sophomore prepares for her second season with the Rochelle golf program, she’s continuing to sharpen her skills after recording several top finishes in local championships over the last two months.

Thiravong’s summer began with a top-30 finish on the Prep Tour near the end of May, when she shot 84 at Red Tail Run Golf Course during the first round and 83 at Hickory Point Golf Course during the second round to place 26^th out of 49 players. She then tied for second place in the Women’s Atwood Golf Classic at Machensey Park from June 2-3, shooting 83 and 89 over two rounds.

“I believe that my golf game has only improved by a small margin compared to last season,” Thiravong said. “Recently my short game has been quite accurate and is usually the reason I score well. I would like to improve with more accuracy on my long irons. My goal is to continue scoring in the low 80s and high 70s then the rest will fall into place through hard work and determination.”

Perhaps Thiravong’s greatest achievements this summer came in the Optimist Junior Golf Championship Qualifier at Emerald Hills Golf Course in Sterling on June 5, where she scored 84 to finish first and earn a spot in the District Championship at Decatur from June 11-14, where she tied for 13^th place. Thiravong then finished first in the Rockford Junior Series Tournament at Ingersoll on June 6, scoring 73.

Also competing at the qualifier was Megan’s 9-year-old sister Ailani, who shot 105 and earned a special invitation to the district championship. She followed up with another 105 at the district championship to place third in the 10-to-12 girls group, which featured players as much as three years older. Ailani also took first in the Rockford tournament with 43 in the 9-hole division.

“I am improving this summer compared to last year,” Ailani said. “My short game is much better than last year. When I chip, my ball is closer to the pin for a one putter. My short game makes up for my long game as I do not hit it as long as I would like. I want to improve on my long game by learning to hit it farther… We are working hard this summer.”

Both Thiravongs traveled to Quincy from June 18-20 to compete in the Pepsi Little People Championship, with Megan shooting 84 and 82 to place eighth while Ailani took sixth in the 9-hole division with scores of 45 and 42. Megan’s most recent accomplishment was winning the Ladies Club Championship at Byron’s PrairieView Golf Course from June 23-24 with 83 and 86.

“My goal for this summer is to drive 150 yards and make it to Augusta in the Drive, Chip and Putt Championships,” Ailani said. “My other goal is to also make Rockford's All-Star Team for Junior League.”

While Megan has competed in many tournaments this summer, she’s also had the opportunity to learn from golf professionals Ann Bloomfield and Jordan Zelleman through Rockford’s Jane Lyons Elite Program. She’s traveled to prestigious courses including Woodridge’s Seven Bridges and Kildeer’s Kemper Lakes. Thiravong will be the player to watch when the Rochelle team returns to action this fall.

“We play our rounds in foursomes as the professionals give tips throughout the course,” Thiravong said.  “The program has been such a great gift to me this summer.”