Q: What inspired you to start playing golf?
A: “I’ve played with my dad and grandparents for my whole life basically, so it’s always been a big thing for me.”
Q: How do you prepare mentally before a big tournament?
A: “To prepare I usually just go to bed early so I have energy for the next day, listen to hype music in the mornings and on the drive there and typically just try to get my mind off of what I’m doing.”
Q: What’s your favorite golf course and why?
A: “My favorite course is probably Crescent [Farms] just because that’s where we always play and I know it best.”
Q: Can you describe your training routine during the season?
A: “During the season we usually practice 4-5 days a week from right after school to about 5:30-6. I’ll go to the driving range over the weekend sometimes as well to try a couple things out that I think I need to work on.”
Q: How do you handle pressure when you’re in a close match?
A: “I just try not to think about it. I usually just play like I know how to and just enjoy what’s happening. I don’t think about the end of the match but rather hole by hole.”
(Vivian Akers)
Q: What’s the most challenging part of golf for you?
A: “The most challenging part of golf for me performance wise is probably putting. It’s kind of hard to do when my putter is broken, but on the flip side it’s pretty hard mentally. If I mess one thing up I’m trying to fix it and get stuck on that rather than try to move on and forget about it.”
Q: Who is your golf role model or favorite professional golfer?
A: “My golf role model is probably my grandpa just because he’s been the one to teach me how to play and he’s always there for me and at my matches or tournaments.”
Q: How do you balance schoolwork and golf practice?
A: “Schoolwork I usually don’t get behind on. I make sure I have a study hall during my first semester classes so I have a period where l can just go and get things done that I miss, but I also contact my teachers before a day that I know I’m going to miss to make sure I know what I need to get done.”
Q: What’s your proudest moment on the golf course so far?
A: “My proudest moment has got to be when I placed 3rd in conference junior year and shot my [personal record] for the course as well as making first team all conference for the same year.”
Q: What advice would you give to young girls who want to start playing golf?
A: “I would say to just have fun and not be too hard on yourself. Golf is hard, anyone can tell you that, so it’s important to have fun and just enjoy the memories you’re making.”
Natalie Russo, 12
