Plant City’s successful girls golf team lost one of its key components when Kellyanne Hurst graduated, but that doesn’t mean the Lady Raiders have had a down year. In fact, the girls have proved they may be as good as usual — thanks in part to strong play from junior Kendall Johnson, who shot a 36 and a 19 (with rain delay) in last week’s wins at Newsome and Wharton.
This season, you seem to be taking on a bigger role with the team.
Yeah, I would say so. Last year, Kellyanne kind of helped me a lot. This year, it’s me kind of helping the girls. It’s not that much pressure, because I don’t really get that nervous, but I’m excited.
Would you say you’ve gotten off to a good start this season?
Yeah, I’ve done pretty well, I would say. Really, my main goal is to break Coach’s record — it’s a 33. Last year, I shot a 34. This year, I’ve only gotten down to a 35.
What else do you want to accomplish this year?
Probably to make it to states with the team, and to win states would be awesome. I know, as a team, we can make states easily if we all pull together.
What’s your favorite course to play?
I guess Juliet Falls, which is east of here, I guess. My mom drove. It’s really nice.
What’s your dream course?
I don’t know. I guess something in, like, England. One of those Scottish courses, like St. Andrews.
What’s the strongest part of your game?
My short game, I would say. I think I’ve gotten pretty good at getting up-and-downs.
And where do you think you could improve?
Putting, because I get to the green and then I can’t make the birdie putt. It’s kind of frustrating. Sometimes, I’ll hit it too hard or too soft.
What’s your opinion on those belly putters — is using one like cheating?
No. I mean, I really don’t know. Some of the best putters in the world don’t use a belly putter.
Who’s your favorite pro golfer?
Adam Scott. I think he plays very well, and I like his composure on the golf course. He hits the ball extremely well.
What are some of your other hobbies?
I ride horses sometimes, so equestrian sports, I guess. I haven’t done eventing since eighth grade, but I went trail riding in Lithia Springs. It’s really nice.
What else do you like to do for fun?
Hang out with my friends. I’m a teenager, so that’s what I like to do.
What’s your favorite food?
Pizza. I like Pizza Hut, with the cheese-stuffed crust, or Marco’s Pizza.
What are your favorite movies?
I like a lot of the action movies, like the Marvel stuff. I’m not really, like, a romantic comedy kind of thing. My favorite is “Iron Man” — I liked all of them.
What about TV?
I watch “The Voice,” with Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. I like them both, but I really like Maroon 5, so Adam Levine is my favorite.
Favorite music, besides Maroon 5?
Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars.
If you could be either rich or famous, what would you pick?
I would say famous, because then, a lot more people would know me. Then, I could motivate or inspire a lot of people. Other than just with money.
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be and what would you talk about?
I would go with Tiger Woods. I would ask him about his journey of golf, like how he came to be so good, and all his struggles. He’s an interesting person.