An informal chipping excursion ignited Stephanie Drake's prep golf career.

The Chesterton junior is now the Times No. 1 Trojans' No. 3 golfer, averaging a 44 per nine holes. She's in her second full season with the varsity, taking part in last year's state finals.

"It's kind of mind-blowing how fast this has developed," Drake said. "I would like to play the game in college."

Those thoughts weren't on Drake's mind three years ago. Drake's parents, Mark and Teresa, played the game for some time, and Stephanie would tag along for the ride on the golf cart. Drake said she might even let loose for one shot on a given hole.

Then one day Drake took out a club and began to chip in her front yard. That's when she caught the eye of Chesterton golfing parent Colleen Kotso.

Initially Drake was caught off guard when Kotso approached.

"Why was this lady talking to me? I had no idea of who the woman was," Drake said of Kotso, whose daughter Allyse placed 10th at the IHSAA state finals in 2008. "She began to talk to me (about golf). I think she thought that I could play."

Drake heeded Colleen Kotso's advice and took more interest in the sport. She's played in Northern Indiana Junior Golf Association events since that meeting.

"I'm having a great time," Drake said. "I've really grown to love the sport."

Drake played at No. 5 a season ago for the Trojans and now has added responsibility at No. 3.

"My score usually got cut last season," Drake said. "I knew I had to step it up this year."

Drake shot a 42 last week in a nine-hole win over Merrillville. She carded a season-low 86 at the New Prairie Invitational on Aug. 10.

"She's doing a lot of things pretty well," Chesterton coach Dale Hewitt said of Drake. "She just keeps a good head about herself. She's gaining confidence in her game."

She's received support from Chesterton's No. 1 golfer Kelly Grassel, the reigning IGA junior girls state champion.

"I love Kelly," Drake said. "She's a great golfer and great person. I'm pretty close with her. We're kind of goofy with one another. That really helps me relax."

All of this still remains quite the surprise to Drake.

"It's definitely a big change for me," she said. "I just first started out not being serious about it. I was just a tomboy, and I like skateboarding. Now I choose a somewhat opposite sport, and it's a very big thing for me."