The first time Jaylee Smith picked up a golf club, she wasn’t thinking about competition or medals. She just wanted to ride along.
“My dad invited me to go to the course with him, and I liked to just drive the carts around,” Smith said. “He let me hit some golf balls and I remember hitting a really good shot and that instantly hooked me.”
That early moment turned into something more once Smith realized Broken Bow High School offered a team. What began as curiosity quickly became commitment.
“I realized that golf was more than just a hobby when I was told that my high school had a team,” she said. “So why not play for school?”
Now a senior, Smith takes the most pride in her mental game, believing mental strength is key to physical performance. That mindset didn’t come overnight. After stepping away from the sport following her junior year, Smith returned with a different perspective.
“I took a big break from golf after my junior year and got back into it senior year,” she said. “It actually helped. Something just clicked.”
Her routine reflects that focus. From picking a target to emphasizing proper grip and smooth contact, Smith approaches each shot with intention. When adversity hits, she leans on composure.
“If I have a tough hole, I tell myself that I have to shake it off because it already happened,” she said. “I just think about the next shot and remember I’m here to have fun.”
Courses like Wolf Mountain in Poteau have tested that mental toughness, forcing her to recover from mistakes and stay locked in. Off the course, she brings the same steady presence to her teammates.
“I like to encourage others on the team,” she said. “Nobody likes a teammate who talks negatively all the time.”
Smith credits both her stepdad and coach for her growth, combining support with technical guidance. Her dedication has paid off, highlighted by a breakthrough early tournament finish and a major accomplishment this season.
“My goal this season was to make regionals,” she said. “As of today, I have accomplished just that.”
In the end, Smith hopes her legacy goes beyond scorecards.
“I want people to remember me as a good and respectful person, rather than an above average golfer.”
