Hampshire girl hits hole-in-one

She's only 12, but last month Hampshire resident Connie Ellett accomplished something some golfers wait their entire lives to do.

She hit her first career hole-in-one on a 125-yard, par 3 hole during the lone practice round at the World Youth Team Challenge, a golf meet held at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

Junior golfers ages 9 to 14 from all over the world competed in a Ryder Cup team format. Golfers are entered by invitation only. This year's inaugural event hosted eight teams with two golfers per team.

"Just to watch that smile on Connie's face with that hole-in-one was priceless," said proud mother Sue Ellett.

"I've never had a hole-in-one. My husband, Doug, has had two in his lifetime, but certainly not at the age of 12."

Connie has been an avid golfer since the age of 6. Golf is a family affair for the Elletts.

Sue Ellett has been golfing for years, including a stint on the team at Northern Illinois University, while Doug competed on the team at Elmhurst College. So for Connie, as well as older sister Taylor, 14, it's in the blood.

"We are all big golfers," said Sue. "Doug and I are very proud of the kids."

In fact, the family foursome currently spends time as members of Blackstone Golf Course in Marengo.

The tournament environment is certainly a familiar one for Connie.

However, the World Youth Team Challenge was a special one.

"This tournament was a unique experience," said Sue Ellett. "I have never seen anything like it in my 40 years around the sport."

Playing on one of the top courses in the Midwest at Bolingbrook, a course named among the "Top 10 You Can Play" in Golf Magazine, was in and of itself unique.

Connie was coached by Tod Windlan, a head golf pro from Indiana who played for Purdue University. Parents were not allowed to offer any help to competitors.

"It was different than other tournaments because we did a team event," Connie said.

"I would definitely do it again, but they have to pick you -- so I hope that they pick me again."

The opportunity to play against Team USA was another highlight.

"When you are playing Team USA, you've got to compete against two of the best kids in the United States," said Sue Ellett.

Connie simply used that obstacle to her advantage.

"I loved playing against Team USA because they hit every shot at the pin," Connie said. "It showed me how much better I have to get."

And don't be fooled. Competing against the best, on one of Illinois' finest courses, in no way took away from the fun or the love of the game.

"I liked the course," said Connie. "It was really pretty.

"I like best ball because you get two chances, and I like stroke play too. I like hitting with my 3-wood and chipping. I just love to golf, especially when we golf as a family."

Does the young golf phenom have a course preference?

Of course.

"Whichever course I do the best at is my favorite," Connie laughed.

With her parents and sister out to support her, life couldn't be better. And with this tournament behind her, there is only more to come.

Already, Connie nabbed a first-place finish in the McHenry County Junior Golf Tournament at Chapel Hill Golf Course in McHenry on June 27. At that competition, her 14-year-old sister placed second, finishing just one stroke behind Connie.

Taylor won a tournament at Boone Creek just a few weeks ago, shooting a 40.

"The girls have been golfing together for a long time so they are always happy for each other," said Sue Ellett. "They constantly support and encourage one another."

Added Connie, "My sister is fun to play with. I really like golfing with her."

On her way to becoming an eighth-grader at Hampshire Middle School, the future looks bright for Connie, who sees no end to her golf career.

"At the World Youth Team Challenge, I learned that I have to work on a couple things," Connie noted.

"I have to learn how to hit my driver, and I have to work on my short game a bit."

When she isn't on the course, Connie keeps busy with other sports.

"When I don't golf, I play softball and basketball."

Considering that Doug Ellett is a longtime baseball coach and Sue has been the girls basketball coach at Hampshire since the 2003-04 season, it is evident that the family love of sports has been passed down.