Craig Daily Press

A season on the links has come down to this.

State regionals begin today in Delta, and for the Moffat County High School girls golf team, it’s do-or-die to advance to the state championships.

In the team’s way is Devil’s Thumb Golf Course, a hilly par-72, 5,686-yard layout the team played earlier in the season.

On a cold and windy April 3, Bulldog senior Meghan Innes carded a team-high 90, and sophomore Heather Nicholson finished with a 114.

Both numbers were season-highs for the golfers.

Freshman Callie Papoulas traveled to the tourney, but she didn’t play because of an injury.

She walked the course to get a glimpse of what regionals had in store.

The Bulldogs arrived in Delta on Monday — a day early — to play a practice round in an attempt to get a feel for the course before the crucial round today.

“We practiced aiming our tee shots, putting to different hole locations and chipping,” Bulldogs coach Ann Marie Roberts said. “The course is in way better shape than it was before. But you can practice all you want until those nerves kick in on the first tee.”

Innes and Nicholson know about the nerves.

Papoulas does not.

Innes is making her fourth straight regional appearance, and Nicholson is making her second.

Innes placed third last year at Rifle Creek Golf Course, shooting an 84.

Nicholson’s season ended with an 18-hole score of 113.

“It will be different (than last year) this time around,” Nicholson said.

“I feel much more confidant than I did. I’ve played this course enough now that I like it more than Rifle. My goal is to shoot in the low 90s.”

Innes predicts the cut line to be in the mid to high 90s.

“I’m shooting for low 80s to high 70s this time,” she said. “I want to do better than last year.”

Papoulas is making her first appearance in the state regional tournament.

“I’m a little nervous,” she said. “But, I had a few things wrong with my swing last week that I fixed today.”

She said her practice round Monday — combined with her visit in April — could be the nudge she needs to shoot below 100.

“I feel good about my game,” she said. “My goal is to break 100.”

When asked whether she thinks she can get below triple digits, she said, “I think so. Wait, I know so.”

Roberts said she assumes the cut line to be “under 100,” and that each of her three team members has the ability to achieve the number.

“I do. All three,” Roberts said of the team. “I hope it’s not the kiss of death by me saying that. But I believe they can all advance.”