The men’s and women’s golf teams have had their spring season compromised due to the unpredictable Midwest weather recently. Although they have not been able to play outside as much as they have in previous seasons, they have made the most of their spring season. 

Junior Flynn Hartigan acknowledges that weather has been an obstacle for her team this season, but that it isn’t something the team would ever let get them down. 

“Our season has been a battle with the weather so far, but our team has never failed to keep our heads high and push through whatever obstacles come our way,” Hartigan said. 

Junior Grace Loverde said the team has played through these weather conditions by continuing to improve after each tournament.  

“We’ve been preparing to play better and better for each one, and that’s all you can hope for in the unpredictable spring weather,” Loverde said.

The women’s team has had both the Spring Opener and the Charger Invite canceled due to the poor weather conditions. With that, sophomore Paige Breslin still says they have been able to compete in some tournaments and that those tournaments are ones she’ll remember for years to come. 

“We have only had a couple of tournaments this spring season so far, but they have been the most memorable,” Breslin said. “Being alongside and having the support of my coach and team in practices and tournaments, we have really created a wonderful bond. It has made the season all the more enjoyable.”

Similarly, the men’s team have also had to play through some harsh weather conditions, but luckily haven’t had any tournaments in their spring season canceled so far. 

Junior golf member Tyler Langel said he and his teammates have had to learn how to adapt to  this weather, and that the sport itself has become more competitive since every tournament depends on how well teams handle the weather. 

“You are always adapting to the course and the conditions on any given day,” Langel said. “I think that’s what keeps a lot of guys competitive in this sport.” 

The men’s team got to escape the cold midwest weather for a little while and go to Louisiana for one of their tournaments. First-year Adam Socska recognizes this trip as his favorite part of this season. 

“My favorite part of the season so far had to be our trip to Louisiana,” Socska said. “We got to meet so many great people, played a lot of cool courses and just got a lot closer as a team.”

With only two tournaments left for both teams, the athletes reflect on what they want to accomplish the remainder of the season. Socska wants to compete well at the CCIW Championships and for the team to reach their full potential. 

“Our main goal for the remainder of the season is definitely the conference championship,” Socska said. “We all have the capability to compete, it’s just getting all five guys to play well on the same day.”

Meanwhile, Loverde wants the team to finish their season in a good head space. With the frustration that comes with poor weather, she wants her teammates to still enjoy what they do because at the end of the day that’s what golf is all about. 

“One thing I’d like to accomplish for the remainder of the season is just keeping everyone’s attitudes positive because playing in spring weather is nobody’s favorite,” Loverde said. “I just hope we all can wrap up the season enjoying time with one another and time on the courses we are able to play.”

Hartigan agrees that golf should be about the enjoyment of the sport and not always about the outcome. She said she appreciates her teammates for teaching her the importance of having fun while competing. 

“Golf is very much a game of having fun while you’re playing and forgetting about the last shot, and the girls this season have taught me a lot this year about having fun and just enjoying the time on the course with the few years left we have as collegiate athletes,” Hartigan said.