THE SENIOR HOPES THAT HER LAST TOUR WITH THE TERRIERS IS THE BEST ONE YET—
After notching two wins in tournaments in the fall, Lauren Dunbar is determined to make this spring her best season yet. The senior averaged 77 a round during the first half of the season. Her two victories this season mark the first time she has finished at the top spot since the 2011-2012 season. In her career Dunbar has 11 top 10 finishes and a career low round of 70. At the Bearcat Classic in October, which she won, she shot a 71 – one stroke off her career best in college. Before the season kicks in to full-gear, Dunbar took the time to reflect on her athletic career at Wofford and reveal what is to come in her near future.
What got you interested in golf as a child?
I use to imitate my dad’s and grandfather’s swing growing up. My dad would cook dinner and practice his golf swing in the kitchen, and I would copy him. My parents saw my interest and bought me some plastic clubs to start out. I fell in love with the game then.
What is the intensity level of the final few holes of a tournament you have a chance to win?
You can definitely feel some nerves if you know you are in contention, but it is also an exciting and fun feeling to be in that position. It shows that the hard work you have put in is paying off, which is a great feeling by itself.
Did you experience that in your two wins so far this school year?
Both tournaments were cut short. In the first tournament we played in rainy and cold conditions. I knew I was playing some steady golf in the tough conditions, but I stayed in the process and was able to put up a good score. It just so happened that the tournament was shortened to one day, and I was leading.
The first round of the second tournament was canceled, so going into the second day of the tournament everyone knew that it was going to be just an 18-hole event instead of a 36-hole event. I didn’t have any nervous feelings. I was just trying to make some pars and finish my round strong. The conditions were cold and windy, and the scores were higher than I thought. My score ended up being good enough. I just tried to stay patient with the wind throughout the day, and it paid off.
How much do you practice weekly to keep your golf game consistent?
I practice about six days a week. I work on different drills to keep my ball striking consistent and different short game drills to continue to improve my game around the green. Golf is an up and down sport, so there are times when your game is on and there will be times when you will be struggling, but as long as I learn from my mistakes and struggles, I know I will become a more consistent player.
What is your favorite club to hit with?
I love my pitching wedge. It is a club that I have used for a lot of drills, and I feel if I am hitting it well that it will carry through the other clubs in my bag.
How much of a team sport is college golf?
College golf is a team sport, but also individual at the same time. Each teammate is competing against one another to travel to a tournament. It is competitive, but we are still supportive and encouraging of each other. It helps us to become better players and people.
How has your role changed, as you have become one of the more experienced, older golfers on the team?
I don’t think my role has changed much. I try to pass on as much knowledge that I can to my teammates on school, golf, time management or anything else they have a question about. I just try to set a good example.
Funniest moment with the team?
We have all types of personalities on the team, so there is never a dull moment when we are all together! The funniest moments probably happen on the bus rides, which include some singing and dancing at times.
What’s next after college for you?
I plan to follow my dreams to play professional golf! I plan to go to Q-school in the fall to start my professional journey. One day I hope to start some type of environmental foundation to merge my two passions: environmental protection and golf.
—Kyle Hoffman
