Confidence prevails for women’s golf team for Central District Invitational

Lauren Hedrick

After a short week of practice, the No. 25 ISU women’s golf team is gearing up for the Central District Invitational in Parrish, Fla., with consistency and experience in its favor.

“We are familiar with the golf course, which is a benefit for us,” said ISU coach Christie Martens. “There is a high premium on hitting the ball straight.”

The golf team recorded a seventh place finish at last year’s Central District Invitational, tallying a three-round total of 894.

Sophomore Sasikarn On-iam paced the Cyclones at last year’s meet with a total three-round score of 216 and a third-round count of 69, the lowest stroke total in the third round of the tournament that placed her third individually. On-Iam feels confident in facing the course again.

“I’m feeling pretty good going into Monday,” On-Iam said. “This is going to be my third time playing this course, so I know what to expect.”

On-iam shot for a three-round total of 228 at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic last week and said her swing as well as her putting were giving her the most trouble.

“In the last couple practices, coach has been working with me to change my swing and we have fixed everything that I needed to work on,” On-Iam said.

This week, On-Iam said she is going to focus more on staying in the present and having fun.

“Last week, I focused on the next shots, not the current shot,” On-Iam said. “I am going to try to be more in the present, thinking about the shot in front of me and not about the score.”

Sophomore Chonlada Chayanun finished in second at last year’s invitational in a tie for 24th with 225 strokes.

No. 56 TCU took home first last year with 882 strokes and No. 5 Oklahoma finished second by just one stroke, a count of 883.

The Cyclones tee off at the River Wilderness Golf Club in Parrish, Fla., on Monday.