Thiravong dedicated her regional victory to Rochelle head coach Glen Mehrings, who walked all 18 holes with her and frequently discussed the risks and rewards of each shot before she stepped up to her ball. Thiravong also praised her RTHS teammates for their support throughout the regular season.
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OREGON — Megan Thiravong packed enough gear for the IHSA Class 1A Girls Golf Regional at Oregon’s Silver Ridge Golf Course that she could’ve entered the wilderness if she wanted to.
Instead, the Rochelle Township High School freshman avoided the trees and any other hazards that stood in her way, shooting 86 to win the individual regional championship and qualify for the IHSA Class 1A Sectional at Byron’s PrairieView Golf Club on Monday, Oct. 9. Thiravong said her strategy was to stay safe throughout the competition, and the Lady Hub standout made enough quality shots to claim the crown.
“Winning the regional championship as a freshman was an awesome experience,” Thiravong said. “It was a fun and challenging course… I knew that I couldn’t give away any strokes. The other challenge was weather. The forecast was rain so it was helpful that the weather cooperated an hour before my tee time.”
Thiravong dedicated her regional victory to Rochelle head coach Glen Mehrings, who walked all 18 holes with her and frequently discussed the risks and rewards of each shot before she stepped up to her ball. Thiravong also praised her RTHS teammates for their support throughout the regular season.
“I was decent off the tee box and I was decent with my approach shots and my putting,” Thiravong said. “Nothing really stood out as the game plan was to stay safe and play bogey golf... I did fall apart a little bit but was able to steal one birdie on a par-4 hole. That was a huge confidence booster as I was able to pull it together and finish strong. Overall, it was a great day as coach Mehrings and I were able to bond and work together.”
Thiravong won’t have to travel far for the sectional competition next week, and the freshman even admitted that PrairieView is one of two courses she grew up playing since fifth grade. But she will have to remain sharp if she looks to keep her postseason run alive.
“I look forward to the sectional and know that I will need to step up my game,” she said. “The most important thing for me to do well on Monday is to stay positive and focused. Next to Fairways, PrairieView has been a second home course to me as my parents would toggle me back and forth throughout the summers.”
