On Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Cleveland golfer Kyra Ly made not only school but state history.

The Cleveland senior shot 14 under par across the two-day state championship at Emerald Valley Golf Club, scoring 7 under both days.

Ly’s score is the best in state history, breaking the previous record of -11 set by Beaverton’s Gigi Stoll in 2015. Along with that honor, Ly also became the first Cleveland golfer to win an individual title.

Golf was an unpredictable sport in Oregon this year, after back-to-back seasons were cancelled due to COVID-19.

“I was excited to finally play a full season with state. It was really disappointing that we missed two years, because I think Cleveland would’ve had a really good chance at making it to state,” Ly said.

Like many athletes, Ly struggled with the mental game at times this season, including just a week before the state tournament she had waited so long to play.

“There were many things that were ‘off,’” Ly said. “Confidence just wasn’t there, but it helped that I had a lesson with my coach and I really worked on the mental part of golf rather than just the mechanical part.”

After the coaching paired with a strong practice round helped Ly’s confidence rebound, nobody watching would have known about those struggles, as her 7 under tied the state record for score on the first day of the tournament.

“I think after carding a 65 the first day it motivated me to do just as good or even better the second day,” Ly said. “I was also looking for ways to make birdie, even if I bogeyed a hole, I was able to stay calm and move on,” she co​​ntinued.

Ly also further broke down her round, saying, “everything was pretty decent both days, but I would say my putting was the thing that stood out to me the most. I made so many putts those two days… without good drives and good putting, I don’t believe there would be any way I could’ve shot what I did.”

Cleveland waited 73 years for an individual golf championship, and Ly waited two for a chance to bring one home. Her patience and hard work since she placed 14th in 2019 paid off with a dominant performance.

“I’m super excited that I’m the first Cleveland golfer to bring home a championship. I remember my freshman year during an assembly, looking at the wall where all the sports stuff are and not seeing any recent years for golf. I’m hoping this year’s accomplishments can be recorded up there,” said Ly.
On her state record Ly said, “it’s crazy to me that I’ve broken a record. I haven’t given it much thought since last week, but I’m excited to see how long this record will last.”

Ly will go on to represent Cleveland at Oregon State University after committing in November, 2021.