Kofa’s Jacqueline Smith wins third straight Yuma County girls golf title; Gila Ridge claims third straight team title

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) — Jacqueline Smith has officially made a habit of winning.

The Kofa senior captured her third straight Yuma County girls district golf championship Tuesday at Mesa del Sol Golf Club, tying her course record with an 84.

Smith entered the tournament as the two-time defending champion, but several golfers were looking to knock her off the top spot.

She quickly showed why she remains the golfer to beat.

Smith nearly picked up a birdie on the 10th hole after placing her approach shot near the pin. She settled for par after a short putt.

Later, on the 18th hole, Smith again gave herself a chance at birdie with an approach shot that landed near the pin.

She narrowly missed the birdie putt but tapped in for par, finishing with an 84 to secure another district championship.

Smith said staying calm throughout the round helped her put together another strong performance.

Following her victory, Smith received a special gift from her family to commemorate her championship: a ring that reads "golf champion."

"Everyone knows that I try my best and I work hard, too, so I actually owe [my family] that one for the heavy ring," Smith said. "It says golf champion. It says that I'm a champion, that I earned it, and I should keep wearing it every year."

While Smith continued her reign individually, Gila Ridge dominated the team competition.

The Hawks captured their third straight Yuma County girls district team championship, adding another title to their recent run of success.

Kofa teammate Keilani Negrete finished third individually with a score of 100, while Gila Ridge's Jayden Waymire finished runner-up with a 99.

Smith will now turn her attention to state competition.

"Hopefully I can win at state, and do it for my head coach" Smith said. "I want to make my teammates and my school proud and and do it for my loved ones up there to see me win."

The Yuma County boys district golf championship is scheduled for Thursday.