By Scott Nickerson
Elmore/Autauga News
Stanhope Elmore Senior Kara Busbin started playing golf with her dad in 8th grade. Just three years later, during her junior year in high school, Busbin was a key member of a successful Stanhope Elmore golf team. In the Sectionals, held at RTJ Magnolia Grove Course in Mobile, Alabama, Busbin posted a personal best of 76, and qualified for Sub-State, held at Robert Trent Jones Senator Golf Course in Prattville, where she finished tied for 6th. During the summer prior to her senior year, Busbin was selected to compete in the Alabama High School Athletic Association All-Star Weekend.
“It was an honor to be selected to play in the AHSAA all-star sports weekend,” Busbin said. “I had an amazing time making lots of new friends and loved the layout of the whole tournament.”
Busbin explained that during her junior season, she averaged 10 shots lower compared to the year before, and she expects to continue improving into her final year. Part of success for any athlete is recognizing strengths and weaknesses. Busbin knows where her strengths lie, but also what part of her game needs improvement.
“The strongest part of my game is my driver. I love hitting my driver and it is normally the most consistent part of my game. The part of my game that needs improvement is my short game, including chipping and putting.”
Goals have been set for her senior year. Busbin hopes to average shooting in the 70s with the ultimate goal of winning an individual and team state championship.
Busbin has experience playing several fun and challenging courses that she could see again down the road. “My favorite course to play is the Crossings course at the Robert Trent Jones, Magnolia Grove located in Mobile. I love the layout of the course and I have some great memories on that course. One of the hardest courses I’ve played is the Judge, located at my home course, Robert Trent Jones at Capitol Hill. Although it is a beautiful course there are many challenges of the course and areas to get in trouble.”
In addition to success on the golf course, Busbin is strong in the classroom. She has a 4.0 GPA and is in the Top 15 of the Senior class. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Junior Civitan, FCCLA, Vice President of DECA, and the President of the Diamond Dolls.
Busbin hopes to continue her golf career collegiately and pursue a degree in Physical Therapy.
