Claire, Olivia, and their mother, Julie, came together on the Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin, Missouri, in mid-October 2015 and, to the unsuspecting eye, it seemed as though the Sobaski family had simply gathered for their usual round of Golf.
This, however, was not a matter of a family playing a casual game of golf. This was two state-qualifiers and their head coach competing in the Class 1 Girls Golf State Championship.
The 2015 season marked the last opportunity that Olivia and Claire would be able to play together at Sacred Heart High School due to Olivia being a senior. Not only did Claire, a sophomore at the time, make the varsity team along with Olivia, but they also each qualified for the state championships.
Olivia explained that the fact their mom was also their coach played a role in their success.
“I think it has its advantages,” said the four-time state-qualifier. “You’re just really close so they can see when you’re upset and understand, whereas a coach who doesn’t know you that well will have to learn those things.”
Julie’s coaching proved to essential in the tournament, as Claire struggled in the early parts of the competition.
“I was kind of having a hard time,” Claire said. “But I just remember my mom always being there for me and encouraging me.”
Although Claire didn’t finish in the top three like her sister, she said she regards the tournament as her favorite memory on a golf course since she and Olivia were able to compete together.
This sense of family on the course did not stem from the girls’ time on the Sacred Heart team together, though. Before Julie served as their high school coach, it was Steven, the patriarch of the Sobaski family, who taught Oliva and Claire the ins and outs of the game.
Both Olivia and Claire credit their father for introducing them to the game of golf and helping them reach higher levels of competition.
The sisters explained that they first learned about the sport by spending time at the golf course with their dad. He began by teaching them the basic rules of golf and eventually helped them perfect their swing.
“It’s always been kind of a family thing with us,” Olivia said. “We go out to the golf course on a weekend and play together and that’s always fun.”
This common family interest allows them to turn to either of their parents, but they also thrive on the fact that they can be there for each other.
Olivia said having a sibling who competes in the same sport allows for much-needed advice from someone who isn’t a coach or an instructor. She mentioned that even though the two now attend separate schools, they still regularly keep in touch.
The girls are both looking forward to another season for their respective teams. Claire hopes to finish her high school career on a positive note and make another appearance at the State Championships, while Olivia will look to improve upon her record-setting freshman season at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg during which she became the first Jennie golfer to win a tournament.
Olivia assured that the upcoming season, much like the girls’ appearance in the 2015 State Championships, will be another exciting ride.
“Stay tuned, it’ll be interesting.”
