Through all of the Arizona women’s golf team’s ups, downs and uncertainties over the past four seasons there has always one constant: It will receive solid play from senior leader and No. 5 individually ranked golfer Alison Walshe.
Walshe was recognized by two separate publications Thursday – Golfweek and Golf World – as she was named the National Player of the Week by both for the week of March 17-23.
“”Obviously it’s nice to be rewarded for playing well,”” Walshe said. “”It keeps you motivated to keep up there and continue to go strong. It’s nice to see payoff from hard work.””
Last week Walshe won individual medalist honors in the 23rd annual Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational Oahu, Hawaii, when she carded a three-round total 3-under-par 213 after shooting a career-best 6-under-par 66 in the opening round. The win in Oahu marked her second individual tournament victory of the season.
The senior’s commitment to excellence from past seasons has continued into this year, as she leads the Wildcats with a stroke average of just over 72 through the team’s eight events.
Of the 24 rounds she’s completed, 12 have been par or better while finishing in the top-10 in seven of her eight events.
“”She is always going to be there for you,”” said Arizona head coach Shelly Haywood. “”She wants to go out there and compete and she wants to win every single time she tees it up.
“”That is one of the beauties about Alison,”” Haywood added. “”You never have to beg her to practice and you never have to try and get her motivated. She has been extremely valuable to the team. She is our leader on the course and off.””
Walshe was one of seven amateur golfers to be invited to play in the 37th annual Kraft Nabisco Championship at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., the first of four LPGA Majors to take place this year. The tournament will be held Monday through April 6.
There is no doubt a certain mindset that comes with the territory of successful golfers, and as her career continues to progress, Walshe’s attitude before and during matches is evolving into a more sound approach.
Haywood said Walshe could have skipped to professional golf, but her decision to stay at Arizona and contribute to the team will help mature her and properly prepare her for professional competition.
Competing against the world’s best golfers in a LPGA Major is nerve-racking, but Haywood is confident Walshe will be nothing short of competitive.
Walshe couldn’t agree more, just as long as she stays calm.
“”There are no nerves yet, so I am crossing my fingers that they wont come,”” Walshe said.
