Sudbury, ON – Grade 12 student Elliott Boyles of Marymount Academy started the school year strong, capturing back-to-back golf championships at both the SDSSAA and NOSSA levels. Under her leadership as Captain, the Regals secured second place as a team at the city level. At last week’s OFSAA championship, Elliott placed 31st overall with an impressive score of 83 among the province’s best female golfers. 

When asked how it felt not only to win, but to compete at that level, Elliott said, 

“It was a great feeling, honestly, … it was such a big relief because I had been putting a lot of work into my game and getting better and it was kind of a good culmination of everything.” 

Elliott began golfing in Grade 9 and has seen steady growth ever since. 

“I started golfing in Grade 9, so it’s been about four years. It’s been crazy. I remember my first time golfing at NOSSA in Grade 10, I think I shot like 130 or something, and then to go this year and shoot, I think it was an 89 in North Bay. That was kind of the biggest growth I think I’ve noticed. The only way you can improve is to challenge yourself, and when it all comes together, it’s really a great feeling.” 

As team captain, Elliott encouraged her teammates to focus on just enjoying the experience. 

“I think for me it has always been about going and enjoying yourself and having a good time. I was nervous; everyone gets nervous, but the more nervous you are—it doesn’t translate well. So, I just told everyone to go out there and have fun. There was no pressure on anyone to perform. And so, when there isn’t [pressure], it’s just that much easier to relax and have a good time.” 

Reflecting on her OFSAA experience, Elliott said competing at that level was both challenging and rewarding. 

“It’s kind of overwhelming because there’s like 130 of the best golfers in the province, but luckily, I had other people from Sudbury there and friends that I knew that I had played with in previous provincial events. I felt comfortable and just have a really good trust in my game and I think it made it just that much more enjoyable. It’s not a guarantee that you will play well when you get there, so it’s important for me to just have fun and see where the day goes.” 

Elliott credits much of her success to the supportive environment at Marymount Academy. 

“It’s just such a great supportive community here. Anything you accomplish is kind of a result of the support that you receive from the school and your peers and the people around you.” 

She also shared that her family, especially her grandfather, has been a major influence throughout her golf journey. 

“My family has been very supportive, and it’s just been really fun to play with them too. My grandpa was the one who first introduced me to the sport. When I was younger, playing a couple rounds here and there with him was really how it all started.” 

When asked what she loves most about golf, Elliott said,  

“Golf is a very challenging game in the sense that every day is different. It’s a matter of the tiniest little tweaks that decide if you have a good day. It’s really the mental challenge that comes with it too. You really have to stay disciplined and focused because if you don’t, then things can get out of your control pretty quickly. But I think just to roll with it and see where it goes is what I really like. And then also the camaraderie – I’ve made so many friends in the sport.” 

As Elliott enjoys her senior year at Marymount Academy, she looks forward to the many opportunities golf has to offer in post-secondary. Her advice for younger students is to find joy in what they do. 

“Make sure what you’re doing is what you really enjoy. When you get that enjoyment aspect out of it, it doesn’t feel like a challenge. Everyone will find something that they do like, and when they do it’s really special.” 

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