Ash Grove’s Allred is girls golf state champ—again

High school sophomore earns second state title in as many tries, only girl golfer at school
When Rylee Allred was about 9, her father took up golf, and he would bring her with him to the golf course. She was instantly hooked on the game.
“I just went out with him,” she said, “and I played, and I liked it. And he bought me some clubs, and I’ve played ever since.”
Now 15 and a sophomore at Ash Grove High School, Allred’s passion for golf has paid off. For the second year in a row, she has shown herself to be a standout in the sport, winning the Class 1, District 1 Championship at the Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course in Springfield on Monday, Oct. 14 and the Class 1 State Championship at Farmington on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Allred won state last year as a freshman and the very first Ash Grove girls golfer.
Other notable tournaments she’s won this year include the Willard Invitational on Sept. 23 and the Lady Jay Invitational in Clever on
Oct. 1.
Allred also plays golf outside of high school.
“I play in the summer, and I play for the MGA,” she said, “and I’ve won a couple of tournaments for them. And I also play for the SMJGA, and I’ve won a couple for them, too.”
When it comes to practice, Allred said that her methods are pretty straightforward.
“I really just practice … every day on my own,” she said. “I go to the driving range, the putting green, and then I’ll go play some, or I’ll like practice in my golf simulator I have at home. (That’s) really about it.”
Allred said that part of the reason she plays so well is her ability to focus on the course and tune out any distractions.
“I’m just trying to focus and not let anything bother me,” she said, “and just (make) a nice smooth swing.”
Additionally, Allred said, she also allows for certain factors like weather when she plays.
“If it’s windy,” she said, “you have to take into account which way the wind’s blowing and how to aim and how far (to hit the ball). There (are) certain clubs for that.”
Allred is currently the only girl at Ash Grove High School who plays golf, but she’s hoping that will change in the near future.
“I’ve talked to some girls,” she said, “and they seem interested in playing next year, so I’m hoping that they’ll want to actually play.”
Allred plans to continue playing golf and hopes to play at the college level after she graduates from high school. She also plans to pursue a career in nursing.