By CHUCK PORTER

Jenks golfer Isabella Suttee is a team-first type of athlete.

When asked about her favorite part of golf, it all came back to the friendships she’s built along the way.

“I love having a community of girls that share the same goals and drive as me,” Suttee said. “The relationships I have been able to build on this team are so special to me. There is always someone there to cheer you up and make you laugh. We always are quick to encourage one another, and I love that.

“Every girl is so wonderfully unique and they have different traits that make them enjoyable to be around. I have some that are more serious when they play, which always makes me better when I focus on my game. Other girls are more laid back and just go with the flow. Everyone on the team always pushes each other to be their best.”

That friendliness isn’t just reserved for her fellow Trojans, either. Suttee’s had plenty of personal success in tournaments, but that isn’t her favorite part of playing in them—it’s the people she meets around the links.

“I love getting to the tee box and seeing one of the girls I have met and made friends with standing there,” Suttee said. “Yes, we do play golf, but we also catch up on life and have a great time together.”

Suttee’s faith is a big part of her life and her approach to the game. That’s why she looks up to tour pro Scottie Scheffler, not just for his play on the course, but in the way he lives out his Christian faith.

“He is not only a good golfer but a dedicated servant of Christ,” Suttee said. “No matter what score he shoots, he is still a child of God and his worth is in Christ. I am so glad to see someone with as much influence as Scottie openly express their faith and encourage others to do so as well.”

The junior’s highest placement in a school tournament has been fourth, though she’s won a couple summer tournaments in the past. She carded a low round of 77 at Owasso Golf and Athletic in March. She’s proudest of her short game and is working on improving her iron play this year as end-of-season tournaments approach.

And it’s pretty much certain if you play 18 with Isabella Suttee at one of those tournaments, you’re going to be heading home having made a new friend.