The San Benito senior had seen his game evolve over his prep career, be he couldn’t quite get over the hump to make the postseason.
Until now.
At the District 32-6A golf tournament at South Padre Island Golf Club, Valle fired a two-day 151 (72-79) against a tough field and blustery conditions to qualify as an individual medalist to make his first regionals appearance and said the many hours of preparation he put in this year were well worth it.
“It is a wonderful feeling knowing that all my hard work has paid off because I have worked so hard to reach my goals,” Valle said. “It’s very satisfying (qualifying for regionals) because I also get to go with my dad, which will help make one more memory for my senior year.”
Ben’s dad Henry Valle is the Greyhound golf coach, who is obviously proud of his son in two-fold form.
“Ben has always been a hard worker when it comes to something he’s passionate about. That being said, there was no difference in his work ethic to reach his first goal of qualifying for the regional tournament,” Henry Valle said. “Ben put countless hours on his own to get ready for the district tournament. At district, he knew what he had to score in order to advance. The game plan was to play conservative and shoot a solid score. On day two, the idea was just to maintain and not make too many mental errors. He stuck to the game plan and it all worked out well for him.”
As a senior, Valle set his standards high and although he says he did not meet his lofty expectations, he said he did see growth in his game.
“I didn’t have a great year but I placed in several tournaments, which helped build my confidence. I did not meet my expectations this year but I know my game has progressed exponentially,” Ben said. “The strongest part of my game would have to be on the green, because I know I can make any putt I look at, and that is what kept me going at district. I spent the most time practice my putting, because that is what sets apart the good players from great players.”
When Henry became the Greyhound golf coach this year, Ben said he noticed a difference to the program he’s been a member of his entire high school career. It also helped him having his dad there, although Henry was already a regular around Ben and his sister Emma.
“It was different because he was always out there which helped because whenever I got flustered or upset he was always there to calm me down which was a big help,” Ben said of his father. “Also when he became coach the whole team worked harder, and helped everyone get better.”
Both Henry and Ben like the latter’s chances in San Antonio, if the senior sticks to the game plan and plays to his potential.
“He’s played that course 4-5 times in the past two years. Ben knows the contours of the course and understands that he needs to stay controlled throughout the round, especially there,” Henry Valle said. “A simple game plan is best when playing this course: Keep the ball in play and hit your greens. Take what the course will give you and don’t be greedy. My job out there will be to keep him calm and focused throughout the round, but only if he needs it.”
Obviously, Henry has plenty to beam about when asked about his son.
“As a dad, I couldn’t be any prouder of my son. I’ve seen my son get up early to play and stay out late at the golf course just to work on his game,” Henry said. “As a Coach, it’s been awesome to see him grow this year. It’s been great to see Ben and the rest of team stay even keeled throughout the rounds and not worry about any mistakes made during the round.”