Lower Merion’s Sydney Yermish is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The Lower Merion junior captured the PIAA 3A state girls’ golf tournament, shooting a 4-under par 68 at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York to win by three shots. She also captured the PIAA District 1 3A tournament at Turtle Creek Golf Course earlier this month. Yermish serves as a volunteer first responder at the Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Fire Station, and last summer she lost a friend — firefighter Sean DeMuynck — during a response to a house fire. The passing of DeMuynck inspired her to start the ‘Birdies for the Fallen’ campaign to raise money and awareness for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. During the PIAA post-season, she raised more than $17,000 through leadership links – $7,560 for the birdie pledges and $9,810 from direct donations.
Q: What is your sharpest memory of the PIAA state golf tournament? What was working particularly well for you that day?
A: My putter was starting to heat up as I moved into the back nine – I missed a short birdie on the first hole and I had three putted two holes in a row (Nos. 4-5) but once I reached No. 8 and made a 15 foot birdie it felt as if I couldn’t miss from then there on.
Q: You were tied with two other players coming to the last hole of Districts, and won it with a birdie on the par 5 18th hole at Turtle Creek. You boldly went for the green in two, shooting over a water hazard just in front of the green. Tell us a little bit about that shot.
A: Going into the last hole, I knew that my only chance to win outright or to make a playoff was to make a birdie. I had said that someone was gonna make a four, and it’s gonna be me. After my drive, I had 193 yards to the green, and I had a choice to take the risky shot and go for the green in two with a 5-iron – and I did. And I pulled it off. I two putted for birdie and the win. That shot was definitely my most memorable moment in that championship and once I hit it everyone was watching near the green and screaming and clapping. That shot will stay with me for a while.
Q: What do you think was the biggest key to your play at Districts?
A: My biggest key with winning Districts was remaining patient – I had many birdie looks inside 10 feet but absolutely nothing was going in. I didn’t get frustrated and kept going – all my birdies that day were on reachable par 5’s.
Q: What part of your game do you consider strongest? What aspect of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: I would definitely say my putting is very strong especially under pressure although I do also hit my driver pretty far and normally pretty straight as well. I always work on dialing the wedges and approach shots.
Q: What originally sparked your interest in golf? What golf mentors have been particularly influential to you?
A: In 2016, Rolling Green, my home course, hosted the U.S. Women’s Amateur and I got to meet and hang out with all the players. I was truly inspired by certain players and the overall experience. I remember turning around and being like, this is what I want to do. I owe everything I know in the golf world to my coach, Mark Shefitic, because he has been there at every stage in my golf career and my life.
Q: What is your favorite club and why (can you give specs)? What is your favorite golf ball and why?
A: My favorite club is probably my driver – a TSI3 club head with a stiff shaft. With the new technology within the clubface I see a more accurate ball flight without losing any distance. I also play a Titleist Pro V golf ball – I like how the ball reacts as I hit, especially around the green with the amount of spin it provides
Q: What is your favorite hole at Rolling Green and why? What is your favorite golf course and why?
A: I like the 13th hole at Rolling Green because in my opinion it’s the hardest hole on the golf course. I like the challenge and the fact you need to hit good shots to be rewarded on that hole. My favorite course that I have played is Monterey Peninsula Country Club, out in Pebble Beach, Cal. – it is a spectacularly-designed course with even better views of the ocean.
Q: Who is your favorite golfer and why? Is there a golfer whose game you try to pattern your game after?
A: I enjoy following Nelly Korda because her work ethic and passion is inspiring. She always strives to do better and always improve. She is a great ball striker; however, her wedges and touch around the green is spectacular, and I would like my game to model hers in that particular area.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Lower Merion? What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at this time?
A: I love Psychology and anatomy. I’ve always been interested in the science field, and right now in my last two years of high school I’m trying to find out what specific part of the science field is for me, particularly to focus on in college. I would definitely consider a field in the military or career firefighter post-college.
Fun facts – Sydney Yermish
Favorite book: Born a Crime – Trevor Noah.
Favorite TV show: The Office.
Favorite athlete: Megan Rapinoe.
Favorite team: New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox.
Favorite place to visit: San Francisco, Cal.
Favorite pre-round meal: Eggplant sandwich and blueberries.
Person I most admire, and why: “Sean DeMuynck – for his passion, inspiration and heroism.”
Family members: parents Bob and Dana, dogs Jake and Charlie.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
