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Published: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012 / Updated: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012 02:37 PM

York’s twin golfers embrace sport’s challenges

Blackwell lauds team’s commitment

YORK -- 

dentical twins Mallory and Kimball Prosser have Lady Cougar opponents doing double takes. The third-year golf participants are key players as the York Comprehensive High School girls team readies for the much-anticipated Oct. 15 region tournament at Lancaster.

Identical twins Mallory and Kimball Prosser have Lady Cougar opponents doing double takes.

The third-year golf participants are key players as the York Comprehensive High School girls team readies for the much-anticipated Oct. 15 region tournament at Lancaster.

Mallory admits the twins haven't gone unnoticed on the high school golf links.

“Some of our opponents think it's really cool,” she said.

Kimball agrees.

“It gets the attention of our opponents, which is fun,” said Kimball. “It creates conversation at some of our matches.”

The twins gained the respect of YCHS golf coach Paula Blackwell from the outset.

“I respect them for joining the team as ninth-graders when they had no real golfing background like the juniors and seniors, who had played golf most of their lives with their parents,” said Blackwell.

Kimball and Mallory kept playing and getting better. “This year, they are our No. 2 and No. 3 players,” Blackwell said. “They can switch back and forth in those positions any day.”

Blackwell said the twins are competitive towards each other, but in a quiet and professional manner.

“Mallory is still a competitive gymnast and Kimball has channeled all of her time towards golf,” she said.

“They want each other to do well,” added Blackwell. “If one has a bad day on the course, the other is very concerned and stays with her sister, determined to lift her spirits.”

Both Kimball and Mallory agree that the experience gained the two previous seasons has improved their game.

“I am playing with more confidence,” declared Kimball.

While most golfers at the high school level consider chipping and putting to be the most difficult part of the game, Kimball has a different mindset.

“Chipping is the best part of my game,” she said.

Mallory said she, too, is playing with more confidence this season.

“I know more about the game,” she noted. “I have more confidence in my tee shots. It puts me in a position to finish the hole with a better score when I drive the ball straight off the tee.”

Blackwell said the YCHS girls have seven on the team and four of them are in their second and third seasons — Kimball, Mallory, Taylor Ramsey and Ashley McCarter.

“Seventh-grader Sarah Smith lives on the course and has been playing most of her life,” said the YCHS coach. “She is our No. 1 player.”

While admitting middle schooler Smith has had her ups and downs this year, Blackwell said the youngster's best golf is ahead of her.

“Sarah plays in tournaments year-round and recently changed her swing,” emphasized the head coach. “She's been working through that this season as well.

“She's highly competitive and very athletic. She puts a lot of pressure on herself. I work with her to forget a bad hole and trust her game.

“I really believe as Sarah matures she will be a Division 1 golfer someday, if she chooses.”

Blackwell said Smith is the little sister of the team.

“Most conversations on the bus are about what happened at YCHS,” the Lady Cougar coach explained. “She has to remind them that she attends York Middle School.”

Blackwell has been pleased with the team's work ethic and commitment to the game.

“The returning players have all taken shots off their game and they continue to work and learn the game,” she said.

Tiger Jordan works with most of the team members, giving them private lessons.

“The game of golf is very difficult,” said Blackwell. “If played four to five days a week, it takes about two years to learn how to play.”

Blackwell lauded York’s Spring Lake Country Club, the Miller family and club members for their continued support.

“We appreciate their support,” she said. “They make the girls and myself feel like we are on the LPGA tour.”