The Augustana College women’s golf team competed in the Lady Grizzly Invitational at Franklin College April 22 and 23. They came in second place, marking a successful weekend for the team. The team had to contend with difficult weather conditions, including strong winds and cold temperatures. Despite the challenges, they displayed their dedication and talent, earning a well-deserved second place finish. 

More recently, the team also took first place in the Viking Invitational April 29 at Highland Springs Golf Course. 

Sophomore team member Jennifer Larsson reflected on the positive energy that her teammates brought to the table.

“I’m super proud of all of them. We had no complaints. It was just like ‘Let’s go out there and do the best that we can.’ And we obviously delivered,” Larsson said.

Junior team member Avery Frick believes that the team’s strong mentality helps a lot, whether on the green or elsewhere.

“Everyone is a friend on and off the court,” Frick said. 

This sense of camaraderie was also highlighted by the fact that the team lives together, eats together and works out together. This close-knit community has undoubtedly contributed to the team’s success.

One of the keys to the team’s success has been their dedication to their sport. 

“Everyone has put the time in and really made themselves a better player,” Larsson said. 

This dedication has paid off, as the team has had a successful season so far. Frick noted that the team has a “plan and good chemistry” and is made up of “smart golfers.”

Georgia Holt, a First-Year on the team, spoke about her experience playing with the other members. 

“Being a freshman on the team has been such a great experience. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I’ve already learned so much from my teammates and coaches,” Holt said. 

Holt also emphasized the importance of mental strength in the game of golf. 

“I’ve learned that having a good mental game is crucial. It’s about knowing how to handle yourself on the course and being able to stay focused and confident,” Holt said.

The team has also benefited from new additions to the coaching staff, including a performance coach and the use of TrackMan technology to analyze players’ swings. These additions have helped the team improve their game and reach new levels of success.

Looking ahead, the team is focused on continuing to improve and build on their success. For Frick, he would love to see the team become closer and work harder to improve their game mentality.

“I just want to see the team get even closer and improve on our ‘keep up the grind’ mentality,” Frick said.

Holt also emphasized the importance of having fun while playing.

“It’s important to remember that golf is a game, and we should enjoy playing it while also working on the mental part of the game,” Holt said.

Overall, the Augustana College women’s golf team’s second place finish at the Lady Grizzly Invitational is a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication to their sport. With a strong team mentality and a focus on continuous improvement, this team is sure to achieve even greater success in the future.