It's difficult enough playing golf under ideal conditions, but throw in wind and rain, and that makes a tough sport even tougher.

That's what Whitehall golfer Loran Pritchard experienced when she teed up to begin her round at the District XI AAA Championships at Blue Ridge Country Club last month.

Facing those conditions, Pritchard said the winds were so strong that it meant going up a club. But that was tempered by the fact that a bad swing could get the golfer in trouble. That adjustment meant for a tricky decision every time she pulled a club from her bag.

"You could also leave things short like I did," said Pritchard.

As her round wore on, Pritchard said that it got more worse until they finally suspended play. When her round resumed the next day, she attacked the course, looking to take the next step in the Pennsylvania Individual Championships.

"I shot a lot better than I did the first day," said Pritchard.

However, it was too much to overcome, and she fell short of advancing, finishing in fourth place with a 97.

While inclement weather is something every golfer must deal with, Pritchard couldn't help but wish that first round could have been played under better conditions.

"The weather had a negative effect on most of the competitors," said Whitehall head coach John Conrad. "They were dealing with strong winds and rain the entire day. Most groups completed 10 holes before play was suspended."

He said that Loran started off well but a couple of holes got her toward the end of her shortened day. Conrad also said that the following day she said that she hit the ball well but was slightly off hitting her targets.

With her season now in the books, Pritchard said that it was a year characterized by some misgivings.

"Looking back, I felt like it could have been a lot better," said Pritchard.

Still, she enjoyed the competition and getting out on the golf course and playing.

"I'm going to miss it," Pritchard said. "It was fun while it lasted."

Conrad said Pritchard played well all year, someone who competed to the best of her ability every time out.

"I personally am very proud of Loran and what she accomplished this season," said Conrad. "She was a leader both on and off the field for us this year. I know she will do well in whatever she pursues in life. She does plan on playing golf in college so I'm sure we'll be hearing more about her already impressive athletic career."

With her senior season completed, Pritchard said that right now she is looking at colleges and working on her game.