FAU High senior Valentina Guertin and Dr. Joaquin Garcia sophomore Jaime Baker both enjoyed memorable seasons and were recognized as the Sun Sentinel Palm Beach girls co-golfers of the year.
Guertin, an Oklahoma signee, recorded a 137 total (69-68) at the Class 1A state championship. She finished tied with four other golfers during regulation to reach a playoff. She won the regional championship with a 4-under 68. She also placed second at the district tournament (67).
Guertin competed with the FAU High golf team since the eighth grade. She improved her game by working with golf instructors Dan McCarthy in Davie and Chip Inks in Wellington. Guertin had previously placed first at the Jack Nicklaus Junior Championship. She shot 7-under and placed first at the Florida Junior Tour Championship (72-65-72) last year. She also previously qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur and U.S. Women’s Four-ball Championship.
Guertin noted she worked on her technique with a swing change throughout the high school season. She was able to elevate her game and step up in the postseason. Guertin was thankful to her coaches and teammates at FAU High. She also credited her family for their support. She previously played with her older sister Angelina at FAU High.
“It’s my fifth year on the team and I am one of the seniors helping lead the team at states,” Guertin said. “It’s a full-circle moment. “My dad got me started in golf and has been a great coach and very supportive. It’s a blessing that I had my sister to help drive me to get better. My goal was to just have fun and enjoy my last high school season.”
Baker captured an individual district title (67) and individual regional championship (69). She placed second at the Class 2A state championship with a 141 total (72-69) and only fell short by just one stroke. She also tied for first at the SFPGA Medalist Tour Championship (72-71) and placed third at the Nicklaus Junior Championship (73-74).
“It was a big confidence boost to win districts with my lowest round ever,” Baker said. “I kept practicing a lot and played well at regionals. My goal was to finish in the top five at states. I was able to achieve that and even do better. I was proud of myself and it was a great feeling.”
Baker, who previously played softball, noted her grandfather was a big influence in why she pursued golf.
Baker continued with her development in the sport by working with golf instructor Charles Bradley in Arkansas this past summer. She also receives coaching from him year-round.
Baker also enjoys practicing daily at Palm Beach National in Greenacres. She has seen the results after working on her game for several hours on weekends. She credits her family for their support.
