Kristina Sumfleth | Democrat Fallsburg junior Danielle Stratton practices her chipping and driving at Tarry Brae Golf Course Wednesday in preparation for this weekend’s state championship in Delhi. Stratton will be making her third straight appearance at the state tourney and will be joined by teammate Madison Levine.

Fallsburg’s Stratton,
Levine off to Delhi

Story by Kristina Sumfleth
FALLSBURG — June 7, 2013 — The 2013 golf season had a difficult start for Fallsburg junior golfer Danielle Stratton as the weather shortened matches and made practicing difficult.
“It started out pretty rough,” said Stratton. “We hadn’t been out on the course before the first match.”
But as the Section IX Tournament rolled around she was back on her game and for the third consecutive year qualified for the State Championship, which will be held at SUNY Delhi tomorrow and Sunday.
She will be joined there by teammate Madison Levine, who originally missed the cut by one stroke at sectionals, but gained entry to the state tournament as an alternate when a New Paltz player withdrew. Levine led the Comets in scoring average during the regular season.
Stratton placed seventh overall in sectionals, shooting 95-91 in the 36-hole tournament. The top nine advanced to the state championship.
“I placed worse this year, but I had an improved score and I am always trying to improve my score,” said Stratton. “I love to play in sectionals and it is good practice for states.”
Stratton has played at SUNY Delhi for her previous two appearances at states and has recently been up there for some lessons. So she has some local knowledge. In preparing for the tournament, Stratton is focused on practicing her chipping and putting while maintaining the strength she has in her long game.
“Danielle has been a strong golfer for Fallsburg for the past three years,” said coach Brian Garber. “Her work ethic and level of determination has helped her continuously lower her score over the years.
“Danielle's competitive drive, and her ability to keep a high level of focus during a match, are what I think are her strongest characteristics as a golfer.”
Garber added, “The future looks bright for the Fallsburg girls’ golf team.” Even though they will be losing some of their senior players this year, both Stratton and Levine will be returning next year. He said the access to both Tarry Brae and Lochmor golf courses and the assistance of professionals Glenn Sonnenschein and Mike Decker has been invaluable in the improvement of both the boys’ and girls’ teams.
Stratton tees off at 11:56 a.m. on Saturday and Levine at 12:20 p.m.