Lindo loves a good time while golfing

CEDAR RAPIDS - Ali Lindo combines a fun-loving attitude with the love of golf.The combination has produced a successful prep career at Cedar Rapids Kennedy.Before she graduates and continues her golf career at Catawba (N.C.) College, Lindo will try to shares some more laughs and maybe a few birdies Monday as she tries to secure a state meet berth at the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Class 5A Regional at Gardner Golf Course.The first-team All-Mississippi Valley Conference Mississippi Division selection for the second straight season has been one of the better area players the last three years, but has not advanced out of regional competition. She is determined in her final attempt.“I've been working toward that for four years,” Lindo said. “Getting to state my senior year would be a great thing.”A key part to Lindo's game is enjoying the time on the course. If you track down her group, you will find No. 1 competitors, who are likely smiling in between periods of focused play. Lindo will take the first five minutes or so to get a feel for playing with someone new, and then will loosen up, depending upon her mates.She especially likes playing with longtime friend M.J. Kamin, of Cedar Rapids Washington, and Cedar Rapids Prairie's Taylor Utter.“I just relax and enjoy my round,” Lindo said. “If you're not having fun then it's not worth playing.”Lindo, who plans to study economics and finance in college, said she is wired that way. It isn't limited to golf.“Most of the time she is,” Cedar Rapids Kennedy Coach Julie Bush said about Lindo's jovial attitude. “She has her serious side, too. She likes to be able to joke around with people and have fun, whether it's on the course or in the classroom.”Lindo has made a serious impact on the Cougars program, serving as the their leader the last few years. She is always willing to help her teammates, sharing what she has learned over the years to assist in their progress."“All the girls look up to her and thinks she's an excellent golfer,” Bush said. “She's kind of a leader on the course, during practice, and even off the course. She's always helping the girls. If I can't be there, she will try and help the girls with their game and swing.”Lindo said her driver is a strength to her game, being able to set up holes if she can hit tee shots well. Bush agreed, noting that Lindo has a strong iron game with a strong ability to dissect videotape, identify swing problems and immediately work on fixing them.“She hits the ball real long,” Bush said. “She knows a lot about the game and the swing.”Added fun and a chance to compete at state may depend on how well Lindo manages the greens. She is confident in her potential for a low score Monday, but her putter will be vital.“I think if I can play my game, I think I definitely can get a round for qualifying,” Lindo said. “At Gardner, dropping putts is the biggest thing. If you can make your putts you are golden.”Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Prairie, Washington, Iowa City West, Marshalltown, Muscatine, Ottumwa and West Des Moines Dowling will join Kennedy in the field at Gardner. The top two teams and top five individuals advance to the state meet May 28-29 at Lake Panorama National Resort in Panora.Iowa City High and Linn-Mar will compete in a 5A regional at Clinton.Cedar Rapids Xavier will look for its second state appearance in three seasons, heading to Oskaloosa for a 4A regional at Edmondson Golf Club. Marion will compete in a 4A regional at Pin Oak Golf Course in Manchester.The 3A and 4A state tournament will be held at Ames Golf and Country Club. Marshalltown's American Legion Golf Course will host the 1A and 2A state meet.