The ISU women’s golf team focusing on the short game
Photo: Liz Ulrichson/Iowa State
Cajsa Persson, a freshman in Pre-Business, lines up her putt at the Big 12 Golf Tournament on Sunday, April 21 at The Harvester.
October 11, 2013
ISU coach Christie Martens continues to preach the short game as the women’s golf team prepares for the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational in Austin, Texas.
The Cyclones’ goal from day one this year has been to have one of the best short games in the nation, and they have stressed that at practice heading into the next tournament.
“We have the same goal to get one team round under par, to average under 30 putts and to have a 70 percent up and down,” Martens said. “If we do that, we’ll be able to compete with any team.”
Similarly to the Windy City Collegiate Classic, the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational will host some highly-ranked opponents such as No. 2 UCLA. Iowa State is currently ranked 13th, which is the highest Golfstat ranking in school history.
Senior Sasikarn On-iam stressed how much the team has been working on its short game as well.
“We want to have a top-five short game, so we’ve been working on that,” On-iam said. “We’ve also been practicing on playing the conditions, hitting from the rough and on hitting our short wedges.”
On-iam also said the mental aspect of the game is the most important thing in the upcoming tournaments. She scored an overall score of 221 along with senior Prima Thammaraks to tie for 29th place in the Cyclones’ last tournament.
“The seniors have been doing good to lead the team, and every individual progresses everyday,” Martens said.
Sophomore Cajsa Persson is also coming off her second-straight top-10 finish. That remains a goal for her going into the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational.
“Top 10 is always good. It’s always a goal, Persson said. “I just want to leave the tournament with no regrets.”
Persson led the Cyclones last tournament with an overall score of 212 and a fourth-place finish.
“[Persson’s] top-10 shows progress. She is just playing great,” Martens said.
The course at the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational is also similar to the Harvester in Rhodes, Iowa, where Iowa State practices. The event will begin Sunday and conclude on Tuesday.
“I have no doubt in myself or my team. We’ll be ready for whatever we face,” said On-iam.
