The Lady Bisons golf team returned to the links for the first time this season as they competed in the Argonaut Invitational in Pensacola, Florida, hosted by the University of West Florida. Team members had a rainy start to the tournament as storms delayed the 54-hole event for five hours on the first day of the two-day tournament. The team ended the event in eighth place. Top golfers were sophomore Delaney Bowles and junior Katelyn Walker, who both tied for 39th at 32-over 176.
“It’s the first tournament, so I know that we’re just getting back into the swing of things and getting back into the routine,” Walker said. “We’re hoping next week we’ll get back into shooting lower and playing better.”
The team has now shifted their attention to the upcoming Central Region Spring Preview held next week in Springfield, Missouri. They are hoping to see an overall improvement in their performance this time as they continue to get back into the swing of things.
“My hopes are that we play better as a team,” Bowles said. “I want everyone to play well both days and be consistent and be content with how they played.”
The team members continue to practice, focusing a lot of their practices around their short game. They are also working to keep each other motivated. According to freshman Carlee Freeman, the team members are close and frequently communicate with one another.
“We talk a lot in our group message, and we write notes to each other,” Freeman said. “It’s just a good way to support each other.”
The team is still in the process of transitioning from one season to the next, and continue to work hard despite the transition. They are hoping students will still remember to support them while they prepare for upcoming events.
Their next home event will be the Natural State Classic held in Heber Springs, Arkansas, from April 17-18. The event begins at 8 a.m. and students and family are encouraged to go support the team.
“It’s nice for our friends to get to come out and watch that but also just being aware and encouraging of golf,” Walker said. “It’s not talked about as much because it’s not a spectator sport.”
The team has a full schedule for the rest of April, competing in tournaments every week for the rest of the month up until the Great American Conference April 23-25 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
