Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jolie Pastorick

Jolie Pastorick is a freshman on the Cardinal Mooney High girls golf team. Pastorick finished second overall at the 2023 Donald Ross Memorial Invitational, held Oct. 9 at Sara Bay Country Club. 

When did you start playing golf?

I started when I was 7 years old. I got interested by watching a Netflix documentary about golf ("The Short Game") and my dad (Dirk Pastorick) took me to a course to try it. 

What is the appeal to you?

It's just fun. I like playing because it is individual. How I do is all on me. But I also like being able to meet new people while I'm on the course. 

What is the best part of your game right now?

I would say my putting. I worked hard on it over the summer. I also changed putters; I use an Odyssey now. I had my old putter for maybe seven years. It was time for a change of pace and it has been working. 

What have you been working to improve?

Just getting used to the high school golf environment. I have never played on a team like this, and the competition is good. The course distances are also different than what I would usually play; they're a bit shorter sometimes. 

What worked for you at the Donald Ross Memorial Invitational?

Well, I had never played Sara Bay before. The course was just redone, so it looks great and the greens were different than what I usually play, but I liked them. I just thought the course played great and worked well with my game. 

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

As a team, we just want to end the season strong. We're going into our district tournament soon (Oct. 23 at Laurel Oak Country Club) and we have to do well if we want to move on to regionals. I'd like to finish in first individually as well, but the team experience comes first. 

What is your favorite food?

Pasta. Any type of pasta.

What are your hobbies?

I like to hang out with friends. We go to the mall a lot. I also like to listen to Taylor Swift. 

What is your favorite school subject?

Lunch. (Laughs.) 

What is your favorite TV show?

I don't have a favorite show. I like watching my sports teams play. I root for all the Philadelphia pro teams. It's a family thing. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Stay calm. One bad shot does not decide your whole round. It does not mean the next shot cannot be great. 

Finish this sentence: "Jolie Pastorick is …"

Fun.