Perkins-Tryon sophomore golfer Bristol Inselman is already proving she belongs on the course with some of the state’s top young players, but she says her game started to take shape much closer to home. Much of that growth came alongside her sister, who she credits as her biggest influence.
“My biggest inspiration is my sister,” Inselman said. “Spending so much time playing golf together really shaped me as a player. I’ve always admired her work ethic and the way she approaches the game, and that’s something I try to bring with me every time I compete.”
Inselman, a geometry-loving sophomore whose favorite teacher is Mrs. Smith, has leaned into the mental side of golf as she has grown more competitive. She said the sport has taught her patience and perspective beyond the course. “Golf especially has shown me that you won’t always have a perfect round, but staying focused and positive makes a big difference,” she said. “That’s something I know I’ll use later in life.”
Her game reflects that mindset. Inselman’s favorite club is her 54-degree wedge, a key tool in a short game she has spent hours sharpening. “I like this club because I use it to chip, and chipping is my favorite part of the game because a great chip can save a hole and always give you a good feeling,” she said. Recently, that work translated into her lowest tournament score, an 83 at her home course, Cimarron Trails, earlier this April. “I really just had a smooth round,” she said. “I paced myself well and stayed in the right mindset. I had bad holes and knew what I needed to do to come back from those and I did.”
Inselman enjoys the balance of individual focus and team chemistry that comes with high school golf. “We’re all working on our own games, but at the same time we bring a lot of energy and motivation to each other,” she said. “We’re constantly pushing one another to improve, and that makes competing a lot more exciting.”
Away from tournaments, she likes hanging out with friends, spending time with her sister and playing favorite courses such as Cimarron Trails and Firelake, which she calls “a nice and pretty course.” She also looks up to professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau for his power and aggressive style. “The way he uses his strength to gain an advantage and play aggressively is really exciting to watch,” Inselman said.
