Anna Huettl

By Matt Mullally, WDA SID

MANDAN – Anna Huettl can’t begin to count just how many holes of golf she’s played since the first time she picked up a club. 

Let’s just say it’s a lot.

The senior-to-be at Mandan has developed her game ever since, and is one of the top high school players in North Dakota.

“My mom actually introduced me (to the sport) when I was in fifth grade,’’ Anna said. “I was involved in other sports, but I really like the aspect of it being an individual sport. “It’s you and the golf course and I like that.”

A day usually doesn’t go by without Anna practicing or playing. In the spring and summer months, she’s often seen playing rounds or at the practice area at her home course, Prairie West G.C when she’s not participating in tournaments. When the snow flies, she’s hitting balls indoors.

“Anna has great natural athletic ability and coordination and great feel in her hands,’’ says Mandan coach Dean Johs said. “But far and away what separates Anna from any other golfer is her determination and work ethic. She is practicing or playing two or more hours every day.”

Thanks to an uncle who is an avid golfer and access to some great swing coaches and volunteers, Anna’s passion for the game took root.

She began playing in the Mandan program as seventh grader where she participated in a pair of varsity events. The following year she was the Braves’ No. 3 golfer and quickly showed her potential, according to Johs. Her scores steadily improved and was the squad’s top player midway thru her freshman season. It was after her freshman year that Anna turned her efforts to becoming a complete player.

“Over the years I focused on my ball striking, but the last couple years my focus has been on my short game,’’ Huettl said. “I realized making more putts and getting the ball closer to the hole on approach shots was going to give me a better chance at making birdies.”

Huettl had the best WDA scoring average last season with a 73.83. She won four tournaments and again was an all-conference and all-state finisher.

The mental side of golf can be just as taxing, and early in her playing career Huettl struggled to put a bad shot or hole behind her. But with more tournament experience and time, she learned to manage the mental approach to the game.

“You have to keep looking ahead and not back on mistakes or missed opportunities,’’ she said.

Anna admits she’s driven by goals and to her credit has reached many of them, including winning the region title, earning all-state honors as well as a college scholarship.

“Having goals helps me work harder, Huettl said. “If you don’t have something to pursue then you are just aimlessly practicing without a lot of purpose.”

 Huettl plans to attend and play golf at North Dakota State University. She knows it will mean more challenges. 

“The competition will be tougher,’’ she said. “The courses more challenging, but I know I will have to keep pushing myself to become better.” 

For now, Anna’s sights are set on her final season and what’s ahead for her team. “We have such good team chemistry and we push each other to become better,’’ she said. 

The Braves have been close to earning a WDA regular title which goes to the team with the best scoring average in regular season tournaments. This just may be the year the team breaks through. 

Mandan returns all of its varsity scorers so the makings are there for a big year.

Undoubtedly, Huettl will play an important role in her team’s pursuits to big things.