Freshman Kaylee Bell winds up as she gets ready to swing at the ball at Aronimink Country Club on Sept. 25, 2024. Photo used with permission from Kaylee Bell.

The crowd goes silent as the top female golfer in the Beach District approaches the tee. She stares toward the hole in the distance, takes a deep breath and swings.

Although this is freshman Kaylee Bell’s first season competing with Ocean Lakes, she has already made a hefty impact on the golf team.

“Kaylee is a very good player; [she’s] the top female in the Beach District,” golf coach Dan Barger said. “Because she is that good, her teammates up their game, elevating the entire team.”

Kaylee picked up a golf club for the first time at 2 years old, and it was not long until she competed for the first time at 8 years old. 

“My dad was the person that got me into golf at a young age,” Kaylee said. “He has been my inspiration throughout my entire golf career.”

She has had a successful season so far, medaling three times; however, her biggest accomplishments have been reached through competitions outside of school.

She recently qualified for the Drive, Chip & Putt National Tournament at Augusta, which will be held in April 2025. Additionally, she has placed in the top 15 players at the US Kids Golf World Championship three years in a row.

These numerous achievements are a testament to Kaylee’s hard work and dedication.

“I usually go out [and practice] three to five times a week,” Kaylee said. “I like to practice all of the skills when I’m out on the course, as consistent practice helps much better in the long run than ineffective practice does.”

Kaylee leaves a positive impression on both the golf course and her teammates.

“Kaylee’s been a great golfer and has encouraged us all to be more competitive,” junior golfer Alicia Han said.

Playing golf competitively for the last six years has come with many challenges, both mental and physical. However, Kaylee has found ways to continue playing at the top of her game, even in times of extreme frustration. 

“As I’ve gotten older, I have realized that mental game always comes first,” Kaylee said. “No matter how bad you’re playing, you always have to keep a level head.”

She plans to continue her streak of success beyond high school, with dreams of playing D1 golf for Wake Forest University and an end goal of making it to the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). 

“Many people want good things in the moment, but sometimes those things take time,” Kaylee said. “They don’t happen on their own, and you have to work hard and stay humble at the same time.”