Bare-footed golfer

Sierra Vista golfer eschews the shoes
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

LaRae Smith practices golf in her bare feet because she has a better feel for her swing, Buena coach Bill Wright says. Her method has prompted other team members to show up to practice in flip-flops.

It's impossible to identify just one element that makes Sierra Vista Buena senior LaRae Smith a great golfer, but one thing is for certain: It isn't the shoes. Smith practices almost every day, and when she hits the range she prefers to do it barefoot.
"People make fun of me all the time," said Smith, who wears shoes during matches. "I just don't wear shoes that often, so I'm just more comfortable without them when I play."

Buena coach Bill Wright says he was surprised the first time he saw Smith's unorthodox practice routine, but never questioned her tactics.
"Her philosophy behind that is that she gets a better feel for her swing and balance," Wright said. "I can see how that can work, and it seems to be working for her."

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