Taylor Tucker watches basketball games that include those of the ThunderRidge girls team, but doesn't consider playing again.

Tucker played basketball and golf as a ThunderRidge freshman, but quit basketball when she realized that golf was the sport that was Taylor made for her.

“When I watch basketball, I think about playing, but I like golf better,” said Tucker.

The junior is still tweaking her golf game and is out to improve her consistency. The one aspect that ThunderRidge coach Jim McCord doesn't worry about is Tucker's mental toughness, as she doesn't let a bad hole or round deflate her.

She improved 14 shots from her first Continental League tournament score of 87 at the Lone Tree Golf Course to a second league tourney at the Pinery where she birdied two of the last three holes for a 1-over-par 73.

“After the first tournament I told my parents I was really happy with the way I played but just didn't score well,” said Tucker, whose twin sister, Lauren, is also on the team.

Key stats:

Tucker, who tied for 18th at the 2018 state tournament, shot an even par 72 at Plum Creek on April 25. That brings her three-round average down to 77.3.

Coach's take:

`She is a really good student and great golfer. She's kind of the whole package. She does have the ability to bounce back really well. That's what she is working on is having more consistency round to round.'

Jim McCord

ThunderRidge girls golf coach

Q&A with Tucker

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Tiger Woods. I feel like especially with him coming back to play at an older age and him winning the Masters. I really like to see his highlights and he is one of my favorite players.

What or who motivates you most to excel in sports?

My twin sister, Lauren. She inspires and motivates me. Without her it would be a lot harder because having a partner, playing games and being on the course with someone to make the game more fun has motivated me to practice, and that's why I have gotten better.

What do you like to do away from sports and school?

I like to hang out with my friends and I like to watch sports. I will watch basketball and baseball games.

What are your plans after high school?

My goal is to go to college and try to play college golf.

Do you have any rituals when playing golf?

When I get up to the tee I like to stand behind the ball and just say to myself “I've got this.” Then when I get up to the ball, I feel confident and can hit the shot.

How frustrating is it to play golf in the spring?

It is very frustrating. I look at the boys season and they are lucky because they come in after playing summer golf. Playing in the spring, it is difficult because it is hard to practice and get a feel on the course because you've had such a long break