Oct. 3, 2014
Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s golf team hosts the Diane Thomason Invitational this weekend at Finkbine Golf Course, providing a chance to showcase its talent, Finkbine, and the UI campus.
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“We are excited to play at home this weekend,” said UI head coach Megan Menzel. “We have had a lot of practice at Finkbine over the last couple weeks. The course is in great shape, and we are excited to host 12 teams and see the progress we are making.”
“We are grateful to host,” said senior Nicole Rae. “The course is in great shape, and the tournament is a week earlier than last year. We are looking at some good weather and good golf.”
Unlike many sports where home events are the norm, not every golf team enjoys the opportunity to host a home event.
“It is great exposure for our team, and a great opportunity for the community to meet our players,” said Menzel.
“We are lucky to host an annual tournament,” said junior Amy Ihm. “We know the course well, and that is to our advantage.”
For the UI student-athletes, the home tournament presents a chance to play in front of the Hawkeye faithful.
“It is fun to have other fans present besides our parents,” said Rae. “When we travel, we have a good following of parents. Being at home, it will be good to see others dressed in black and gold.”
“We feed off the energy of the fans that come out,” said Ihm. “They make it more fun.”
All 10 Hawkeyes will see action this weekend, with five in the lineup and five competing as individuals.
“We have seen some good play from different individuals,” said Menzel. “Everyone continues to get stronger and settle in. I think we are going to see a strong performance this weekend.”
The 54-hole tournament will begin with a 9 a.m. (CT) shotgun start on Saturday (36 holes) and conclude with a 9 a.m. shotgun start on Sunday (18 holes).
“We have been looking forward to this event,” said sophomore Jessie Sindlinger. “It is a great tournament with a good field.”
Along with the Hawkeyes, the field will include Boston University, Chattanooga, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana State, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, Oakland University, South Dakota State, Southern Illinois, Wichita State, and Winthrop.
“We have been working hard this week, and throughout the season,” said Ihm. “We are excited that we are on our home turf. We have some good teams coming, and we are excited to compete.”
