Sept. 12, 2015
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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. To receive daily news from the Iowa Hawkeyes, sign up HERE.
By MEGAN ROWLEY
IOWA CITY, Iowa — For the first time in nine years, the University of Iowa women’s golf team will open its fall slate in front of home crowd, hosting the third-annual Diane Thomason Invitational at Finkbine Golf Course.
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The tournament provides the Hawkeyes the opportunity to put their new team outlook into action.
“Our four pillars are discipline, responsibility, family, and ambition,” said fifth-year UI head coach Megan Menzel. “They have a responsibility to themselves, the university, and their teams. (The student-athletes) have been working on holding themselves accountable and doing their best to make an impact on the community.”
All nine Hawkeyes will see action this weekend with five players being in the lineup and four competing as individuals.
“It is our home turf so we want to go out there and dominate from the start,” said senior Amy Ihm, who finished fifth at last year’s event. “We want to prove to these teams, and ourselves, that we are here this year to be competitive and win. That is the overall goal.
“The course is in great shape. The greens are getting faster, and we are excited to get out there and compete.”
Freshman Kristin Glesne and Monika Poomcharoen will make their Hawkeye debuts, occupying the second and fourth spots in the lineup, respectively.
“Being at Finkbine is nice and it makes the transition easier,” said Glesne. “We aren’t going somewhere far away and aren’t going into an intimidating tournament. It’s a course that I have been playing for the past few weeks so I am comfortable. It will be fun to start off here.”
The home course advantage not only gives the Hawkeyes a boost of confidence, but it has allowed the team time to fully develop their third pillar.
“I have seen a huge change, and they feel like they are a family,” said Menzel. “It has been a great start for us this year because of the way they show respect for each other, push each other, and encourage each other, but in a very competitive environment.
“They have been able to solidify themselves as a team. Instead of rushing to get on the road and to get started, we have a good starting place and a strong core going into this tournament.”
With their four pillars in mind, the Hawkeyes are ready and eager to work toward their goals.
“Our long-term goal is to get to NCAA Regionals, the NCAA Championships, and to win a Big Ten title,” said Menzel. “Those are the big things that keep coming up with this group.
“They made it simple. They want to win individually and as a team. They want to win and continue to get better every day.”
The 54-hole tournament will be contested on Sept. 12-13. Thirty-six holes will be played Saturday and conclude Sunday with the final 18 holes. Action will begin with 8:30 a.m. (CT) shotgun starts both days.
