Toast of the Coast: Anderson schools competition on the links

Ashley Anderson is no longer a Waccamaw High student, but what she accomplished at the school this past fall has earned her the title of The Sun News Toast of the Coast Girls Golfer of the Year.

Anderson, who has opted for homeschooling through the online South Carolina Virtual Charter School K12 program midway through her freshman year, averaged a 38 in Waccamaw’s nine-hole matches. She was the medalist in all but one, finishing second to Wando’s Ansley Vaughn by a stroke despite a 3-over 39 at Pawleys Plantation.

She was a model of consistency, with a low round of 35 at Blackmoor Golf Club and a high round of 40.

Anderson shot a 73 in the Class A-AAA Lower State Tournament at Beech Creek Golf Club in Sumter to finish sixth overall and qualify as an individual for the state tournament at Quail Creek Golf Club. But she wasn’t able to continue the low scores at state, where she shot 79-84—163 to finish an area-best 15th.

“It was mostly my emotions,” Anderson said. “I had a lot of people following me and watching me. I was so excited to play in that tournament. I was looking forward to it all season. I guess everything that was going on at that one moment overtook me. All the emotions just got to me.”

Anderson has been a student of golf instructor Chuck Wike at the International Club of Myrtle Beach since the fall of 2010. She’s long off the tee and a consistent ball-striker, and said she had a good putting rhythm this year.

“That was probably my best year with Waccamaw,” Anderson said. “I had a really good swing and a good feeling. I was comfortable with the courses and the coach [Michael Quinn]. I had so much fun. I love the team. I’m sad I left, but it was for the best.

“… I have a more flexible schedule for golf tournaments and practice. There was drama at school, and I didn’t want to deal with it anymore and wanted to get around different people and a positive influence.”

Anderson made the Waccamaw varsity in seventh grade so the 2011 season was her third on the team.

She knows she wants to play at a quality Division I college golf program and turn pro following college. But she’s not sure if she’s going to continue taking online classes, return to Waccamaw High or transfer in the next three years. “I just transferred over so I’m still trying to find out if I like it,” Anderson said.