Acalanes High Golf Star Ready to Hit New Heights

Four years ago, Elizabeth Schultz had to make a choice.

As she entered Acalanes High School she needed to decide if she was going to continue to swim competitively or if she was going to move forward with golf, a game she had just started to play.

"I wanted to be really good at one sport instead of pretty good at two sports," Schultz recalled.

She chose golf. And it seems to have been a good decision.

In her four years on the Acalanes High girls golf team, Schultz has been named to the all-league time four times and been selected the league's most valuable player the past three seasons.

This year, she finished second in the Northern California high school tournament and then tied for second at the state championships.

In May, she also qualified for the 2013 U.S. Women's Open by finished third out of 72 female golfers in a 36-hole tournament at the Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City.

In June, she played in that women's championship in Southampton, New York. Although she didn't qualify for the final two rounds in the four-day tournament, Schultz said it was an incredible opportunity.

"It was a really cool experience," she said. "After playing there, I decided this is definitely what I want to do."

After she graduates next June, Schultz will attend San Jose State University on a golf scholarship. She turned down other offers because of the coaching staff at San Jose and the fact that professional golfers like Judy Inkster have played there.

"They have a really good program and a great history," she said.

At some point, Schultz would like to join the professional tour. She can't do that while attending San Jose State, so she's uncertain when she might turn pro.

"I'll just keep working at it and see where it takes me," Schultz said.

It's been a relatively quick climb up the ladder for the 17-year-old senior.

She competed in swim clubs as a young girl, but while she was in 8th grade she was introduced to golf by family friend Dan Stanich.

He started out by having Schultz hit cotton balls in her back yard. Then, he took her to the driving range and saw a lot of potential.

Stanich is now Schultz's swing coach. She says he's taught her a lot of invaluable lessons.

Schultz said the number one reason she has succeeded is probably her work ethic. She practices every day, even holidays. At least four times a week, you can find her on her favorite golf course -- Boundary Oak in Walnut Creek.

"I work really hard at the game," said Schultz, "although I love it so it's not really work for me."

Schultz is known as a long hitter -- her average drive is about 260 yards. But she has also worked diligently the past year on her putting. She said the short game is what made the difference at the state championships.

Schultz is a scratch golfer from the white tees and can usually bust par from the upfront red tees.

Acalanes High golf coach Tim Scott has high praise for Schultz.

"She's one of the hardest workers I've ever seen," said Scott. "She lives and breathes golf."

Scott added Schultz is a fun-loving teen who is emphatic and loyal to the people she knows.

"She just cares about people a lot," said Scott. "She's an awfully good kid."

He also is gratified by the success she has had.

"I'm really happy for her," he said.