Women's Golf | April 20, 2017
SILVER LAKE, Ohio – The Western Michigan golf team heads to Silver Lake, Ohio and the Silver Lake Country Club to compete in the 2017 Mid-American Championship beginning on Friday.
The Broncos head back to Silver Lake after a week off and a third place finish at the Indiana Invitational on April 8-9. WMU competed at Silver Lake back in October for the Silver Lake Shootout. The tournament provided dividends for the Broncos. The team finished in second place, while Julia Champion and Jasmine Chee were named co-champions.
"Silver Lake" is a great test of golf for the MAC Championship," said first-year head coach Elise Swartout-Mosher. "There is a good amount of elevation change, so being aware of that will be imperative for our course management. Also, the greens have some tricky spots to them. If we can convert our birdie opportunities and capitalize on making lots of pars on the greens, we will be in great shape."
The first season under Swartout-Mosher has been one of growth and success. WMU has finished eight tournaments in the top five this season and six in the top three.
"We have seen a great deal of growth throughout this season, especially on the mental side of the game," said Swartout-Mosher. "We have been implementing different processes and ideas surrounding what it means to play well. The team has gotten so good at being their best selves on the golf course."
One of those student-athletes that has had her best self on display is Champion, a junior from Markham, Ontario. Along with the Sliver Lake Shootout, Champion also finished in first place at Toledo's Rocket Classic. But the improvement hasn't just been from the players. Swartout-Mosher has seen a lot of growth in herself.
"I've grown a lot as a coach in many different ways this year," she said. "First, understanding what my players need from me on the course is where I have learned the most. I have such a great team of student-athletes that they have made this very enjoyable to learn about their games. I have also learned a lot about what we can improve most week to week and then how to implement it in practice."
WMU finished in fifth place at last year's MAC Championship, shooting a then program low 899 (293-306-300). Anna Wilcoxon, Chloe Lawrie and Claire Hernandez all finished tied for 15th with scores of 225.
The Broncos tee off on Friday in the mid-morning. Tee times are subject to change due to possible weather. Live results can be followed by clicking here.
