Penn Hills grad enjoying time on Saint Vincent golf team

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, October 8, 2023 | 11:01 AM

When Lucy Brayton is out on the golf course, there aren’t too many other things that bother the Saint Vincent freshman.

With all of the things that can make the transition from high school to college difficult, handling all of the school-life balance hasn’t troubled Brayton much.

“I’ve always been an organized person,” Brayton said. “When I’m on the golf course, I’m calm about it. I’m not thinking about anything off the course or what I need to do.”

Playing collegiate golf has provided Brayton with an opportunity to relax and enjoy playing again. During high school, the 2023 Penn Hills graduate was always fretting about her pursuit of a berth in the PIAA Class 3A state championships. Brayton achieved that goal as a senior, becoming the first golfer from Penn Hills in 15 years to qualify for the state tournament.

Brayton reached the state meet during her senior season after a close call as a junior. During her time at Saint Vincent so far, Brayton’s relaxed attitude has produced solid results.

At the Grove City Invitational in late September, Brayton shot a 17-over par 89 at the Grove City Country Club.

That score allowed her to finish in eighth place. Brayton said her biggest improvement has been in her approach

“Probably my focus,” Brayton said. “I am able to separate school from golf. I have found my center here on the golf course.”

Brayton has also enjoyed being on a women’s team. In high school, Brayton played on the boys team. Playing in college has also allowed her to travel to different courses and see different types of competition.

She feels that the tournaments have a relaxed feel.

“In high school and all the junior tournaments I played in, the competition was crazy and intense,” Brayton said.

Brayton showed her comfort level in college during her first competition at the Thiel Invitational back in August. She was the Bearcats’ top finisher, placing sixth by shooting an 84 in Greenville.

Brayton has stuck with golf because she feels it is a good lifelong sport for her. It is something she can continue well past her college days.

Saint Vincent competes in the NCAA Division III Presidents’ Athletic Conference. Brayton hopes that through the season, she can build up to having a strong showing at the conference championships.

“I’ve scored in the top 10 or 15 in the events during my freshman year,” Brayton said. “I’m hoping maybe I can eventually get to the top five.”

Tags: Penn Hills