Golf Swings into Season

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Author: Sant Kumar

The women’s golf team looks to developing their skills this year so that they will be able to compete against other SCIAC teams now and in the future. The Tigers are preparing for the SCIAC competition by simulating match play during practice and focusing on their mental strengths. By building their golf skills, the Tigers hope to build a program that will continue to grow in future years. Though a new program, the members of the golf team believe in their ability to win each tournament.

According to Katie Park (first-year), there were not enough players to form a women’s golf team in previous years, and the sport was not promoted.

However, the coaches are more focused this year on recruitment and helping the program grow. “Now coaches are recruiting new players and are talking about expanding the program,” Park said.

Tori Leon (senior) also hopes that a different style of practicing will transfer over to success during tournaments. “We have a new system of practicing this year, which is more team-oriented, organized and effective, especially for the limited time we have to practice,” she said.

Though the team is new, the members have formed strong team chemistry. The more experienced players help coach their team members. As a result, the team members trust one another. The members of the golf team also spend time together off the golf course. They participate in activities such as golf socials.

“We get along really well.  Team morale is great. No matter how well we do, we’ll have each other’s backs,” Leon said.

The coaches are focused on improving each of their players. They focus on the individual weaknesses of each athlete. Some players struggle with the short games, while others need help on developing their drives. The coaches give advice on strengthening different strokes by participating in the practices and going over the motions of each stroke.

“We go to the practice range a lot, and on Tuesday mornings we’ll play nine holes and the coaches will critique our games and tell us how to be better,” Park said.

The players are excited to be a part of a golf team because of what the sport gives them. According to Leon, playing golf gives an indescribable feeling.

“Many think that golf is a slow-paced, boring ‘sport’ but there is a lot of pressure, mainly on yourself, that adds a lot to the experience of competing in a golf tournament,” Leon said.

For the players, there is an adrenaline rush that is mentally exhausting and exhilarating. For Park, success in golf results from patience and mental strength. Practicing and playing golf has allowed her and the team’s other members to develop these attributes.

“It can take you really long to play 18 holes. There are days when things don’t go well. You have a bad day and you have to forget about that and just play the next shot. So it helps you live in the moment,” Park said.

The golf team will have their first match this week as they play in the Cal State San Marco Invitational.

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