- December 2015
Personal Statement
I started playing golf for fun with my dad and brother. Over time, it turned into a hobby and now is my passion. Until I was fourteen years old, I enjoyed playing, but dreaded range practice. However, that summer I began playing with my dad more frequently, and became very focused on getting better – one may say I caught the golf bug! The following rounds were fun, and I became very aware of my potential. Enthusiastically, I tried out for the Monte Vista golf team and made it onto Varsity freshman year. The team allowed me to have fun, grow as a player, and maintain a competitive mindset. I started to enjoy competing against the course, my bad shots, those around me, and myself.
The summer following freshman year, I decided to truly focus on improving my game. My first focus was to teach myself to have fun while spending practice time on the range. I started off by playing music, which allowed me to zone in and focus on the tasks at hand. Over time, music became part of my routine, and even helped me keep calm before a tournament. Steadily chipping and putting became my favorite aspects of the game. The idea that they were based off of feel and visualization was very stimulating. As a result, my “short game” evolved enough to become one of my strengths. Now I focus on playing from the back tees on my home course to keep challenging myself.
Golf as a sport has taught me so much more about myself, my mental and physical abilities, and other life lessons. I learn new things from going out and playing almost everyday. Golf is a passion and a journey, and I am truly excited to see where this road will take me over the next few years. I am looking to join a college that has an outstanding academic reputation and a strong golf program. I am easy going, calm, and always have a positive attitude in any situation. I enjoy the game and it shows. I am also competitive and do best under pressure having made several long putts when it mattered most. I hope to bring this positivity and energy to a strong team and make it even stronger.
Ritida Nanda (December 7, 2015)
Please see below a reference from my MV High School Coach Mr. Allen
December 3, 2015
To Whom It May Concern,
Ritida Nanda is one of the most dedicated golfers that I’ve coached. She’s usually first to the range and last to leave. If there’s enough light after a round, she’s anxious to get out for another nine. If there is a flaw in her game, she will put in whatever work that is necessary to correct it. For example, the East Bay had some rain last week, but instead of taking a day off, Ritida made sure to get out and play because she felt like she needed more practice with bad playing conditions. She knows her weaknesses and does whatever it takes to make them strengths.
This hard work and dedication have paid excellent dividends. Over the past three seasons, Ritida has had a remarkably consistent improvement in her scoring average. She started strong as a freshman, immediately placing in top the six on the team, qualifying for Varsity matches and tournaments. As a sophomore, her scores were low enough to place her in the top 12 of the entire East Bay Athletic League (EBAL), earning her a spot on the All-League Second Team. This year as a junior, Ritida’s scores were even lower. She warmed-up for the season with an AJGA qualifier and tournament, recording a scoring average of 78.25 (over four days) on a course with a rating of 76.3. This was followed by high school matches highlighted by two even par rounds (one home and one away), as well as a two under par 34 against our league rivals at the end of the season. This all led to a scoring average that ranked fifth overall in the league, placing her on the All-League First Team.
Finally, Ritida has been a wonderful member of the Monte Vista golf team. Golf is an individual sport, but the team dynamics at the high school level are so critical. Golfers like Ritida make it easy. She plays well regardless of the skill level or playing style of those that she’s paired with. She has an excellent attitude and demeanor, to both teammates and opponents, no matter how well she’s playing. The Women’s Golf team has been very fun to coach over the last few seasons: the talent level and comradery have been extremely high. Ritida has been a very big part of that.
Best Regards,
Alexander Allen
