As the high school golf season began, there was word of “some girl at Fort Gibson who can play.” By the end of the season, Layne Ailshie had proven to golf coaches across the state of Oklahoma that she was “that girl”.

After opening the 2021 schedule by winning medalist honors in her first high school tournament, Ailshie, only a freshman, would compete in eight events winning the individual gold medal five times plus one second and one third place result.  After winning the Verdigris Valley Conference championship, Ailshie won the individual honors at the Class 4A regional tournament played on the Muskogee Golf Club layout and anchored Fort Gibson’s team total that was good enough to qualify for the state championship 36-hole tournament.

“Layne put a lot of pressure on herself to go low enough to give the team a chance to qualify,” said head coach Jordan London. “The team heard her talking about it and I think it motivated them.”

Standing 5’3, “Goose” has been playing golf since she was nine years old when she took part in the Junior PGA league in Muskogee and continues to displays a relentless practice plan to fine tune here talents.

“I play competitive golf in the OJGT in summer and fall and I go to Texas several times a year in the winter to play in TJGT or All American’s,” said Ailshie explaining her routine. “The mental side of golf is just as important as playing practice rounds. The support from family and friends along with my school and personal coaches is priceless.”

With her favorite club, 8-iron in hand, Ailshie battled the field of the Class 4A state championship tournament and showed her focus in the final 18 holes to claim a state runner-up medalist finish.

“I’ve played in tournaments with Maddi Kamas (2021 state champion medalist) and Emily Vang so I have felt the pressure before because they’re both great players,” said Ailshie noting her first round results in third place. “Maddi is an amazing golfer who always comes back so that was my thought process for round two, ‘Layne make your come back!’”

Immediately upon returning home, Ailshie began her plans for the future.

“It gives me a sense of accomplishment and it gives me an added drive because I didn’t reach my state champion goal this year so I will come back and do it next year.”

Her high school coach is in total agreement.

“She’s a girl that has talent but Layne without question will also take her talent and outwork everyone to improve herself, on and off the course,” said London. “She’s driven to win and I’m convinced Layne will reach her goals.”

And after posting results worthy of recognition including a 75.4 stroke average, competitors and opposing coaches across the state are in total agreement.