By Kyle Daubs

Competition and country clubs.

That’s been the life of the Meisters. 

Charleston High School senior Delaney Meister and her freshman brother, Hudson, have grown up around the Charleston Country Club, where their father Tim has won the club championship multiple times.

Both siblings have enjoyed a rare season, each advancing to the state tournament after earning all-Apollo Conference honors.

While both are competitive with each other, both know how special this rare occasion is. 

“Golf is very important to our family,” said Delaney. “My dad is our coach so when we win or play well it makes him proud. Hudson and I have worked towards this our whole life. We have played golf since forever.“

Hudson remembers their dad taking his sister and him to the golf course as long as he can remember. It made it even more fun to share the experience with family, which is why making All-Apollo was a proud moment for the family. 

“It’s awesome to share this with my sister for her last year,” said Hudson. “We have both put a lot of time in to get here.”

Still, the competitive vibes sometimes emerge, even after he learned his sister had earned an All-Apollo berth. 

“I was excited when I heard we both won all-Apollo. But as soon as I found out we both won, I wanted to know what she shot so I could make sure I beat her,” said Hudson.

Delaney took third after shooting 86 at CCC on Sept. 19.

Hudson carded an 81 that same day to finish sixth in the boys tournament held at Mattoon Country Club.

“Hudson and I are always trying to one up each other,” said Delaney. “But in a good way. Our family is so close and supportive.”

Delaney said she was proud of her little brother doing so well his freshman season. 

“We were both super excited but humbled by the experience,” said Delaney. “For me, personally, when I found out Hudson got all-Apollo I was more excited for him than myself. For him being a freshman, he has had a lot of great accomplishments this season.”

Now, both are looking forward to competing in the state series, which begins Friday.

Delaney will tee off at 9:33 a.m. Friday to start playing the back nine of the Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur in the 36-hole Class 1A state tournament. The pairings for Saturday’s second 18 holes will be determined after the first round is completed. Her teammate, Madeline Sanders, tees off nine minutes earlier in try group directly in front of her.

Hudson, meanwhile, will start his first round nine minutes after his older sister, at 9:42 a.m. on the Weibring course in Normal, about 50 miles away.

While they will be at separate locations, this experience is something they can share forever. 

“It’s a big deal to Hud and I,” said Delaney. “We have worked hard to get to this point. Since it is my senior year, it is a great feeling to be able to share this accomplishment with my little brother one last time.”