Sporadic 'M' golfers prepare for Big Tens

The Michigan women's golf team made another unexpected change in its schedule last week with the postponement of the Iowa Invitational. The Wolverines competed in the Tri-State invitational on Easter Sunday and canceled the postponed tournament in Iowa.

"We were in a no-win situation with all those small schools," Michigan coach Kathy Teichert said.

The Tri-State tournament was compromised of 17 smaller, lesser-known schools, as well as the Wolverines.

FILE PHOTO/Daily The next invitational for the Michigan women's golf team will be an important one - the Big Ten Championships on May 4 and 5.

Nonetheless, Michigan still finished low in the standings. This low placement can, however, be explained rather easily - the Wolverines only participated in the first day of play in the two-day invitational.

Captain Nicole Green finished high in the standings and led the Wolverines with a score of 76, just three strokes behind the tournament's leader.

Sharon Park was second on the Michigan squad, shooting a 78. Rounding out the team was Laura Hess (79), Jennifer Baumann with an 80, Trish Watkins, who finished with an 84, and Amy Talbot, with an 88.

"Sharon really had it going at the beginning, but then slowed on the backside," Teichert said. "She still finished with a very respectable five-under par.

"Amy Talbot was hitting the ball well, but just wasn't scoring, and Jennifer Baumann really improved overall."

Baumann shot an 80 for the first time this season.

The Wolverines are starting to gain speed going into their next invitational, the Big Ten Championships, to be held May 4-5.

Also, with the weather starting to warm up, the golfers will likely be able to practice outside more often in coming weeks. But, this is Michigan - and the weather has more of a reputation for unexpected change than does the women's golf team.

Teichert noted the unpredictable weather's effect on Michigan's practice schedule.

"Unfortunately, it can't be 80 degrees and sunny every day, but that comes with the territory," Teichert said.

"We basically need to focus on our personal games to improve. I'm pleased with our progress so far, and we are looking forward to going into the Big Ten Tournament."

04-16-98