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Samantha Buddig provides Hinsdale South another top scorer
Hinsdale South junior Samantha Buddig follows her first-hole tee shot against Oak Park-River Forest Sept. 5 at Village Greens in Woodridge. | PAtrick McGavin—For Sun-Times Media
Updated: November 12, 2012 1:30AM
WOODRIDGE — Samantha Buddig had a distinct look of displeasure on her face after an indifferent first putt on the par-3 seventh hole at Village Greens in Woodridge.
Leaving her birdie bid short by at least 10 feet in the Hornets’ West Suburban dual match against Oak Park-River Forest last week, Buddig was determined to make amends to maintain her momentum.
The junior calmly sank the putt to save par, and two holes later the Hornets’ second-rated player truly displayed her calm under adversity.
After hooking her tee shot on the par-4 ninth hole, which necessitated a chip out back to the fairway, Buddig rifled her 88-yard approach to eight feet.
“That’s like my favorite shot,” Buddig said.
Buddig left no doubt about the result, draining the putt for her sixth par on the afternoon in tying for medalist honors with senior teammate Jess Sachs with 3-over 39s against the Huskies.
The Hornets improved to 4-1 in the rugged West Suburban and 4-2 overall with the 178-194 victory.
“That’s the best feeling making a par like that,” Buddig said. “I really concentrate on my putts.”
Sachs, a Class AA at-large state qualifier two years ago, has had a sensational start to her final season, earning or sharing medalist honors in seven of the Hornets’ first eight competitive rounds.
Buddig had a solid season as an underclassman on varsity last fall, and the results against OPRF last week were indicative of a refined mental and physical approach.
“I have been trying to shoot low rounds consistently and have been doing a pretty good job at it,” Buddig said. “I really enjoy playing with (Sachs).”
Sachs said the transformation Buddig has showcased since her freshman year has been easily identifiable.
“(Buddig) has grown so much as a player and as a person,” Sachs said. “She is awesome to play with. She keeps me going (on the golf course).”
Buddig, though, is realistic enough to know that there is still much to learn on the golf course.
“My drives have always been a good benchmark for my game,” Buddig said. “If I worked on my lag putts ... I know it can only help my overall score.”
The Hornets bolted from the gate this fall, winning their first invitational at Plainfield Central.
With Sachs and Buddig as anchors, the team could seriously threaten for downstate.
“It sure doesn’t hurt to have those scores at the top,” Hinsdale South coach Juliet Sweet. “I think they push each other out there, which is a good thing.”
