Libertyville likes Falasz's follow-through

All golf all the time would not be a totally accurate way to describe how Libertyville senior Ashley Falasz spent her summer.

But it wouldn't be far off.

"I was surrounded by golf," Falasz said.

Falasz played or practiced five or six days a week. She also caddied at The Merit Club and worked as a cashier at Golf Galaxy. She won a set of irons for the work she did as a caddy, and her time at Golf Galaxy has also served her well.

"I need the (employee) discount on all the golf stuff," said Falasz, who is Libertyville's No. 1 player.

Falasz's passion for golf is a remarkable juxtaposition when you consider she wanted nothing to do with the game as a freshman.

"I lacked confidence," she said. "I didn't think I was good enough to make the team."

Falasz reconsidered and went out for the team as a sophomore. She credits her parents for pushing her to give it a try.

"I'm so glad I came back," she said. "I got rid of my nerves and went for it."

Coach Billy Pitcher, who was an assistant at the time, remembers watching Falasz play her opening tee shot at tryouts at Village Green.

"She drove it on the green," Pitcher said. "She didn't realize how good she was and how much she would help us."

Falasz made an immediate impact as a sophomore. She continued to improve in her junior year and learned from No. 1 player Alex Hein. By the end of the season, she was shooting in the low- to mid-80s and hooked on the game.

Falasz played in some Illinois Junior Golf Association tournaments this summer and also worked with Pine Meadow teaching professional John Andrews.

"My swing is more solid and consistent," she said. "He really changed how I think on the golf course."

She can thank herself for one of her most valuable discoveries. In early August, she shot in the 70s during a casual round with her mom.

"I was more relaxed and I played really well," she said. "I don't want to put pressure on myself and take it too seriously. I play (better when) I'm having fun."

Falasz must have had plenty of fun when she opened the season with a 77, good for fourth place at the Barrington Invitational. This was her lowest competitive round at Libertyville. The Wildcats' team score of 357 was their best in four years.

"I think every area of her game is improved and she has become more consistent," Pitcher said.

Four years after not wanting to play competitive golf, Falasz has morphed into the Wildcats' leader.

"She'll give you pointers and tell you to take your time," sophomore Marilyn Stone said. "She's really positive and helps a lot of people out."