Portland Rosen, One stroke at a time!

From Fort Bend Focus Article by Barbara Magana Robertson


As most High School Seniors are looking forward to Prom and Graduation, one Sugar Land teen is focused on defending her State title. Portland Rosen is taking it to the links to defend her State 5A championship title in golf. The Clements High School senior recently won her third straight district individual title and helped her school team win the district championship title. Now, she is heading into regionals and then on to State. “Defending my title is a goal, and I just want to play my best. My friends are all worried about what dress they will be wearing to the Prom or who they are going with, I am just focusing on my next tournament” says Rosen.

Portland has already committed to playing golf for the University of Virginia this fall semester. She is excited and looking forward to be able to play at the college level. Portland states, “I am thrilled to carry on the family tradition and look forward to getting my degree.” She will be following in the footsteps of her two older sisters, Jorden, a Syracuse graduate and Courtney, a senior at Florida State University. Both Rosen girls played softball at the collegiate level. Younger sister, Darby, is currently playing several sports at Clements High school.

As a junior, Portland had an exceptional year. She went unbeaten on her brilliant path to becoming state champion. Every tournament she entered she won. This year, she continues to impress and demonstrate her phenomenal talents. At the district tournament held in early April, she won by 25 strokes. “I remembered the course from last year and was more comfortable this year. I did not feel nervous. I play better when I am relaxed” admits Rosen. Her dedication to the sport is unfathomable. Portland practices hitting the ball, putting, chipping or driving every day. During the unusual harsh winter we endured, Portland would escape the cold temperatures and rain soaked days by practicing indoors at local facilities.

As a 12 year old, Portland’s father took her to the golf course. There he put a golf club in her hand and said to her to “hit some golf balls.” It was not long before her father saw his daughter’s natural ability. Portland remembers her father saying,” Portland you’re a natural.” She has been dedicated to the sport ever since. “My parents are my biggest supporters. They are at every tournament no matter what” beams Portland. Her mother, Robin Rosen, cheers on her daughter and always has an encouraging word for her. Her father, Rocket Rosen, is often on the golf course practicing her golf game with her. However Portland is quick to give credit to her Coach Paul Marchand, as being a major influence in developing her skill and her swing.

Portland is not your typical teenager. She admits that she misses some of regular high school activities due to her golf game. However she believes the decision she made years ago to be dedicated to golf is the right choice for her. Her goal in life is to be on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. “I really would like to do that, see where golf takes me after college...I am going to try my best and give it all I have to make the LPGA tour” says Rosen. While she enjoys reading books, getting pedicures and playing other sports, her commitment to golf is undeniable. She is a true ambassador of the sport. “I would like to see more kids get involved in golf. It is a sport that both boys and girls can enjoy” says Rosen.

Later this month, beginning May 10th in Austin is the State championships golf tournament. Portland is once again favored to be on the top of the leader board. Good luck to Portland, and bring home the championship.