Cedar Rapids Prairie’s Kylie Wachtl looks for sophomore success after memorable freshman year

CEDAR RAPIDS – Kylie Wachtl’s first varsity golf season is hard to top.

The Cedar Rapids Prairie sophomore drained a hole-in-one during competition. Video of the ace went viral. She wore a Parsons Xtreme Golf visor, which prompted a call from PXG CEO Bob Parsons, who also founded GoDaddy. Wachtl was gifted a set of clubs and received a congratulatory video from 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson.

The ensuing results were also impressive. Wachtl placed 12th Class 4A state meet, tying for the third-lowest score (70) on Day 2. Summer competition yielded Iowa PGA Junior Tour Player of the Year for girls 14-15 years old honors. She attended last summer’s Zach Johnson Foundation Classic dinner, meeting Johnson in person.

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“We got to go there and he was present and speaking,” Wachtl said. “He recognized me from the video. We got to talking and took that picture. It was pretty cool.”

Wachtl as continued to build on last year’s feats. The three-sport state qualifier has managed to devote even more time to her golf game with the hopes of a return trip to state and possibly a better finish. She’s already off to a solid start, with medalist and runner-up medalist honors in her first two meets of the season, averaging 39 through her first three nine-hole rounds.

“I think that’s the biggest difference from last year,” Wachtl said about more time devoted to golf. “I’m a lot more committed to bettering my swing and becoming more consistent. I’d say my end goal for this year is to become a more consistent golfer with less ups and downs during a round.”

Last year’s state tournament provided a huge confidence boost. Her second-round score was an eye-opener and defined her potential.

“It was exciting to be able to know that I can compete with the best girls in the state of Iowa,” said Wachtl, who will play for Iowa PGA in Junior Cup Matches against Gateway PGA this summer. “That also made me realize if I wanted to play really well in this season and at state that I needed to take an extra step toward making my game even better.”

The summer was filled with tournaments, including 11 first-place IPGA Junior titles. Wachtl dedicated more time on the driving range to work on her game. She worked with her mom and Cedar Rapids Country Club pro Kari Tomash on her swing mechanics through the winter, so it wasn’t a concern in the spring.

Distance has been a strength for Wachtl, who hits well off the team and can rely on a 9-iron from 150-yards to the green. She made the most strides in her short game, so she worked with CRCC’s Assistant Golf Pro Davis Sutton on putting.

“I really focused on my technique because it has been a little wonky some seasons,” Wachtl said. “I’m getting consistent with it. My chipping has helped me (too) because it also used to be a little inconsistent.”

Wachtl has still managed to compete and find success in multiple sports, instead of specializing. She qualified for state in the 500 free and the 200 and 400 free relays. Wachtl was on Prairie’s state qualifying basketball team.

“During the fall, I’m a lot more devoted to swimming but I’m still able to hit balls,” Wachtl said. “It was a lot of fun going from basketball practice to swing practice and still trying to hit as much as I can.

“It’s pretty cool that I have the opportunity to play three sports and still be able to do well in all of them.”

Some aspects carry over to other sports. Wachtl said her golf game has benefited from swimming.

“Swimming helps me build more muscle for my upper and lower body,” Wachtl said. “It helps me hit the ball now. Also, workouts for swimming, lifting before and after practices helps me hit the ball farther.”

Prairie Coach Erik Columbus said he has witnessed the growth from last spring. Improvement has been made in various areas.

“She’s taken on more of a leadership role since our leadership graduated.” Columbus said. “She’s really ran with being a team leader.

“She’s doing well getting up and down and controlling distance. She has focused on all the things that make a great player.”

Area golf is loaded with talent. State champions, state runners-up, golfers with multiple top-10 finishes and freshman phenom dot the Mississippi Valley Conference and CRANDIC, which will be held Wednesday. Wachtl embraces the daily challenges.

“She’s right there with them,” Columbus said. “She welcomes those challenges. It’s a great experience for her.”

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