St. Anthony's Emilia Parlow has her best round ever en route to CHSAA title
St. Anthony's freshman Emilia Parlow. Credit: Kathy Calfa
Emilia Parlow didn’t tee off thinking about winning. The St. Anthony’s freshman hoped for a solid round, maybe even a personal best.
How about all three?
Parlow walked off the White course at Eisenhower Park on Monday as the NSCHSGAA golf individual champion, carding a career-low 1-over-par 73 in a breakout performance that surprised even herself.
“I didn’t realize what was going on, but at the end I was so shocked at what just happened,” Parlow said.
Paired with seniors Bridget LaRosa of Kellenberg and her St. Anthony's teammate Nicole Amoruso, who finished second (86) and eighth (100), respectively, Parlow delivered the best round of her young career. She had three birdies and one bogey on the front nine, then held steady with a 3-over back nine.
“I usually get really nervous,” said Parlow, who played for Commack as an eighth-grader last season. “But the fact that I stayed calm and collected and enjoyed the day was more than I could ask for.”
Parlow credited her poise to a strong mindset and relentless preparation. With a slow green on the first hole, she was glad she had focused on reading breaks during warmups.
“I was happy I took the time to read each putt and perfect each shot once I got up there,” she said. “I didn’t hit any shots just to hit them.”
Her coach, Kathy Calfa, said Parlow’s consistency and mental toughness stood out.
“She was just steady the entire time,” Calfa said. “She never had a double bogey, always played for par. She didn’t hit one bad shot — it was amazing to watch. She puts a lot of pressure on herself, so she practices a lot, and it showed.”
Parlow's 73 improved on her previous best of 77. Her 2-under on the front nine also was the first time she ever shot under par for nine holes.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play for St. Anthony’s,” she said. “It’s all been so surreal and exciting.”
The Friars had a strong team showing as well, with juniors Victoria Zito and Grace Mallgraf finishing third (89) and sixth (94), respectively. St. Anthony’s finished the regular season undefeated.
“I think she stepped up to the pressure,” Calfa said. “She makes very few mistakes, recovers well, and plays with maturity. She’s just getting started.”
