When senior Annabelle Chan looks back on her four years of competing for the varsity golf team, she reflects on many proud moments, some dating back to her freshman year. In one of her first tournaments at the Alhambra Golf Course, she shot an impressive 30 (-5). Following her standout debut season, Chan went on to earn All-League honors in the Prep League three times.
With veteran experience under her belt, Chan’s final season is shaping up to be a strong one, with a talented team and a promising start in early matches, suggesting an exciting season ahead.
Junior Cici Liu shared her admiration for her teammate Chan, stating, “Aside from her exceptional talent, Annabelle is one of the nicest people I’ve ever played with. She’s always incredibly considerate, helpful and encouraging.”
Chan’s passion for golf began at a young age, influenced by her parents, who were avid golfers. From the age of five, she accompanied them to the driving range, where she initially struggled to get the ball airborne. However, her love for the game grew, and she has since played competitively for seven years.
Last season, Chan came extremely close to winning the CIF-SS Championships, becoming the first Poly student to advance to regionals. Competing at the state and regional level is particularly challenging, as golfers must perform at their peak in each qualifying round, with only a few spots available for advancement.
A key factor in her success has been the guidance and mentorship of Head Coach Dale Rasmussen.
“[I] could not have done it without Coach Dale’s constant support,” shared Chan.
Rasmussen, in turn, expressed his admiration for Chan: “No one works harder at their sport than Annabelle. I’ve learned more from her than she will ever learn from me.”
One of Chan’s most prestigious achievements is being named a 2024 Rolex Scholastic Junior All-American by the American Junior Golf Association, an award recognizing excellence both on the course and in academics. She scored in the top 10 of the Golf Performance Center Killington Junior Golf Championship to earn this honor.
When Chan looks back on her senior career, she remembers the most unforgettable moments, playing individually and as part of a team: “Throughout my past three seasons on the team, there were so many moments where the match would come down to the last group. Watching my teammates… fight through to the finish and make their final putts, allowing us to secure the win, are moments I will never forget.”
As her team continues to bond and her skills continue to shine, Chan is ready to make the most of her final high school season and prepare for her upcoming season at Division III Pomona College.