2019 Northwest Herald Girls Golfer of the Year: Crystal Lake Central co-op's Molly Lyne

Local golfers will be trying to rival Crystal Lake Central co-op's Molly Lyne's high school career for many years to come.

The Cary-Grove senior advanced to the IHSA Class 2A Girls Golf State Tournament at Hickory Point in Decatur for the fourth consecutive year, challenging for the individual title and tying for fifth place with a two-day score of 76-73-149. The fifth-place effort was Lyne's best finish since taking third as a freshman.

No other local girls golfer has ever finished with four top-15 state finishes, according to IHSA.org. Lyne, who will play next year at NCAA Division I Louisville, took fifth at the FVC Tournament and won the individual title at the McHenry County Tournament by eight strokes – her second county title in four years.

For her accomplishments, Lyne was selected the Northwest Herald Girls Golfer of the Year by the sports staff with input from area coaches. Lyne, who won the award as a sophomore and junior, is the first to win the award three years in a row since Central's Meredith Ward in 1995, 1996 and 1997.

Lyne recently spoke with sports writer Alex Kantecki about her favorite memories from senior year, the best part of the state experience, what she is looking forward to most in college and more.

What will you remember most about your high school career?

Lyne: What I'll remember most are the people that I was surrounded with, whether that's my teammates, my coaches or my family. Basically, anybody that I went through my high school career with.

What is one of your biggest pet peeves?

Lyne: I cannot stand when people whistle.

If you were a soap opera character, what would your name be? (Your middle name and the name of the street you live on).

Lyne: Claire Cambridge.

Who is your hero?

Lyne: My grandfather, Art Fitzgerald.

Which teammate inspires you?

Lyne: I would say (2019 Crystal Lake Central graduate) Kat Bevill. She's got everything that you want in a teammate. The fun and crazy side but also the side that you look up to, her confidence. I'll never forgot that.

What’s your favorite holiday?

Lyne: Christmas.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?

Lyne: Stuffing, turkey and mashed potatoes.

Which teammate makes you laugh the most?

Lyne: Caitlyn Ullrick and Bernadette King. They're really close and they're best friends, and they're always there to put a smile on anyone's face.

What is the best part of the state golf experience?

Lyne: I would say just the environment of it. It's not the same as any other tournament. First of all, you're surrounded by the best players in the state and you're also surrounded by a lot more spectators than usual. It's kind of got this vibe of a bigger tournament. You can tell when you're there. You can really feel it.

What are three of your favorite TV shows?

Lyne: "All American," "Hannah Montana," and "American Ninja Warrior."

What would be your dream vacation spot?

Lyne: Anywhere in Europe, probably France.

What is the top golf course on your bucket list?

Lyne: I would say Augusta National, but I know that's really, really hard for girls to play. I always look forward to watching the Players Championship for the men's tour, and that's played at TPC Sawgrass (in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida).

What’s the hardest part about golf?

Lyne: The hardest part is trying to stay positive. There are so many things that can go wrong at any time. The hardest part is staying in the moment. It can go wrong quickly and get a lot worse easily.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you?

Lyne: A pot to boil water, a knife and a flashlight.

Do you have a most memorable shot or round?

Lyne: My last round at state. As far as my most memorable shot, probably the last putt I hit on the 18th hole (at state). I had a pretty short putt. As soon as it went in, I had this overwhelming rush of relief, I guess you can say. You see everybody in the crowd, see everybody clapping and cheering, and you feel like you made an impact on them and you made people proud. It's just an overwhelming feeling of happiness.

What’s your favorite kind of ice cream?

Lyne: Vanilla.

What sport that you don’t play would you be good at?

Lyne: Basketball. I played from first grade all the way through eighth. I stopped because golf became year round.

If you had a sandwich named in your honor, what would be on it and what would you call it?

Lyne: Turkey, lettuce, bacon and mayo on white bread. I'd call it, "Molwich."

What’s the nicest gift you have ever given someone?

Lyne: I don't have a specific gift, but I tend to make a lot of gifts and personalize things. A lot of times on friend's birthdays, I'll make them big cards, or I put together pictures or something like that.

What are you looking forward to most about Louisville?

Lyne: I'm just looking forward to becoming the best that I can be. I know I have a lot to work on and a lot more to get better at. I'm looking forward to just taking every opportunity that I get and working as hard as I can to maximize my potential. I really want to make an impact at Louisville and be able to play as much as I can.