Elk City golfer Mattie Thompson is second bag for the Elks, and she said although she’s gotten a late start on the sport, it hasn’t diminished how much she loves it. 

“I only started because my friends played,” Thompson said. “I had never picked up a club before but I quickly found out that I love the game. It has taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to. Some days, it is the most frustrating thing I do, but it is also my favorite thing at the end of the day. It is a game that I will be able to play for the rest of my life and that is what I love most about it.”

Because she’s a senior, Thompson said she’s become a role model for the younger players on the team. She said that’s something she’s perfectly okay with. 

“I have always loved getting to help the younger kids at whatever I’m doing,” she said. “So, I have loved being an older golfer trying to set an example for the younger ones. I always try to be positive and lift everyone’s attitude, I am always willing to go practice with them, and mostly I try to get to know them on a personal level, I want to be a friend to them.”

In her free time, Thompson said she likes to play golf and hang out with her friends and family. She said she also loves being outside, whether that’s watching a sunset, sunrise, hiking, or just hanging out in a hammock. 

“I am an active member of my church youth group and this summer I am attending three camps with them,” she said. “First, I am going to our kids camp as a youth leader. Second, I am going to a leadership camp called Super Summer. Last, I am going to Falls Creek.”

After high school, Thompson said she wants to attend Oklahoma State University and major in general business pre-law.