Built for the Big Moments

Good support and drive all help make tournament success possible for local champion Maddy Bante

By: Jim Bebbington

Maddy Bante is one of the rising stars to come out of Colorado in recent years—a player who has learned how to win under the intense pressure of high-stakes tournament golf.

Bante captured back-to-back Class 3A state titles in 2022 and 2023 at St. Mary’s Academy, helping lead her team to three state championships.

Now a freshman at the University of Notre Dame, she has already begun her summer competing at the highest levels, including a U.S. Women’s Open qualifier and the upcoming Colorado Women’s Open.

As the Colorado tournament season ramps up, Bante shared what it takes to balance competitiveness with the emotional control required in golf.

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Finding the Game

Bante didn’t start as a golf specialist. In fact, she grew up playing everything.

“I’d go to swimming practice in the morning, then tennis, then golf,” she said. “It was just a fun activity.”

By age 12, she made a decision—to focus on golf. What stood out wasn’t just competition, but the process.

“I just really enjoyed practicing… being with friends at the golf course and meeting so many cool people.”

Her first tournament was eye-opening. Surrounded by seasoned junior players and intense environments, she and her mom were still figuring out basics—like the fact that they’d be playing 18 holes.

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A Healthy Competitive Foundation

Bante credits her parents—especially her mother, a former collegiate athlete—for shaping her mindset.

“They pushed me in a healthy way,” she said. “They didn’t treat me differently if I played well or bad, but they always emphasized working hard.”

That balance of support and accountability helped her develop discipline without burnout.

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Learning the “You vs. You” Mindset

Like many golfers, one of Bante’s biggest challenges has been learning to focus inward rather than on competitors.

“In high school, I’d be focused on the other player instead of myself,” she said. “But I can’t control what anyone else does.”

That shift—from scoreboard-watching to self-focus—is still evolving.

“I’ve gotten way better at it, but I’m still learning.”

Now competing at the collegiate level, she’s surrounded by elite players at every stage. The key, she says, is perspective.

“I worked so hard to get here… there’s no point in comparing myself to anyone else.”

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Handling Pressure Moments

Pressure isn’t theoretical for Bante—it’s something she’s already lived through.

She recalls a defining moment during her sophomore year at the state championship. Holding a two-shot lead on the final hole, she faced a 50+ foot putt over severe undulation.

“There was so much adrenaline,” she said.

She hit the putt aggressively—and it dropped.

That moment wasn’t just about execution, but learning how to perform when everything is on the line.

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The Jump to College Golf

At Notre Dame, preparation has taken on a new level of intensity.

“In college, I’m locked in the second I wake up,” she said.

Tournament days are structured and detailed—from reviewing yardage books over breakfast to discussing pin positions and strategy before even arriving at the course.

The biggest difference? Responsibility.

In junior golf, parents handled logistics. In college, players must be fully organized, vocal, and accountable.

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A New Kind of Pressure

College golf introduces a different layer of pressure—not just individual performance, but representing a team and program.

“You’re on scholarship… you don’t want to let anyone down,” she explained.

At the same time, coaches become part of the process, offering guidance during rounds—something that requires players to open up and communicate rather than internalize everything.

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Competitive by Nature

Bante doesn’t shy away from competition—it’s part of who she is.

“I’m competitive in every aspect of my life,” she said.

But over time, that competitiveness has evolved into something more sustainable.

“It’s more of a you-versus-you mentality now… if I’m trying my hardest, that’s the most I can do.”

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Role Models and Mindset

Bante looks up to Nelly Korda for her balance of competitiveness and composure.

“You can see the drive in her eyes, but she doesn’t make it a huge thing,” Bante said.

She also points to her mother as a constant influence—someone who approaches life with positivity and perspective.

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Advice for Young Golfers

If she could speak to a group of 12-year-olds heading into their first tournament, Bante’s message would be simple:

Enjoy it.

“Don’t take any moment for granted,” she said. “When you’re young, you have so much potential.”

She emphasizes that success in golf takes time, effort, and resilience—but it’s possible.

“Make sure you love it… because it takes a lot of time and trials. And have a strong support system to keep you going.”