The name Hamilton has been synonymous with the Girls? Golf program at Lake Orion High School since the 2002 season.
Britney Hamilton, a senior, will lead the charge in 2007, but then she’s off to play at Western Michigan.
Hamilton ‘s older sister, Ashley, a 2004 LOHS grad, is a junior at the University of Detroit-Mercy, but that school wasn’t among the five considered by Britney.
The younger Hamilton’s decision ultimately came down to a few schools on the west-side of the state.
‘I went to Western and loved everything about it,? she said. Hamilton also made official visits to Grand Valley State and Ferris State .
But last Friday, Hamilton made it official, signing a letter of intent to play for Cindy Trout at WMU.
‘She is a hard worker and she’s very driven to improve her game,? said Coach Megan Daly.
Hamilton , who’s stroke average was 99 her freshman year, averaged a 79 as a junior last spring.
‘There’s been a 10-stroke improvement every year,? noted Daly. ‘That shows her dedication to the game.?
‘I read a lot of sports psychology books and worked hard on my short game with my dad,? Hamilton said.
She added that being more consistent, especially around the greens has led to the improvement.
‘That comes from attitude,? she said. ‘To be able to have the same pre-shot routine and get in a zone ? that really helps.?
Daly said Hamilton ‘s work ethic has worn off on her teammates.
‘The other girls see that if you work hard, good things can happen,? Daly said.
Good things could happen to the team again this year, with two top-ten state golfers coming back, including Hamilton (ninth last year).
Fellow senior Darby Peters, who finished second at the state tournament, is also expected to sign a letter of intent soon, according to Daly.
‘We have four players returning and two that will play collegiately,? Hamilton noted, but added that she should be much more at ease on the course this season because the college decision has been made.
‘I’m looking forward to playing without the pressure,? she said. ‘I’m just going to go out there and grip it and rip it.?