Over Spring Break the Cortland Women’s Golf Team traveled to Orlando, Florida from March 11th to the 18th. Their spring break consisted of various amount of activities. The golf team started their break by practicing and getting used to the Florida sun since they were used to the Cortland winter. All winter they were used to hitting inside in the simulator, so they finally got to stretch their legs and play outside.
On Tuesday the 14th, the team was able to have the opportunity to play with two players on the LPGA Tour, Patty Tavatanakit and Stephanie Kyriacour at Isleworth Golf course. Rachel Curatalo, Sophie Oristian, and Sarah Wiggins played with Tavatanakit. Then Claudia Winterberg and Alivia Waldron played along side Kyriacour. They played 18 holes that day and got some good practice in while learning from the professionals.
On Thursday the 16th, the team played a nine-hole scrimmage against Amherst College. After the scrimmage, they went to the putting green and driving range to practice what they needed to improve on for their duel match against Hamilton College.
Friday the 17th the golf team headed up to Daytona Beach to play Hamilton College at Halifax Plantation Golf Course. During their match, the course was playing tough due to the windy weather and a dry season in Florida caused for below average green conditions.
The team was not used to playing in those weather conditions so it was hard for them in the beginning. The pins were in a variety of tough places and the greens played super fast due to the different types of grass that isn’t common in the Northeast. After the first few holes, they seemed to find their stroke and started to get back into their rhythm of playing competitive golf.
After a well-fought match Cortland lost to Hamilton College, 345-319. Cortland sophomore golfer, Sophie Oristian, posted the best score for the day on the team. Oristian carded a low of 81, Waldron shot an 85, Winterberg an 87, Wiggins 92, then Curatalo 94.
Junior golfer Rachel Curatalo said “Spring break is always a great time for the team to come together to get back into the feeling of tournament golf. After spending months inside for the winter it feels nice to practice on the green again visibly seeing how far we are hitting each club. This break is a highlight for us every year because it always brings everyone on the team closer and we are able to focus on golf without having to worry about schoolwork for a week. I’m so grateful for our coaches and anyone who donates to our program because they allow us to have the opportunity to travel and make these incredible memories with our friends.”
There is more to come this season for the team with various tournaments and matches coming up. To keep up with the Cortland Womens Golf team, go follow their Instagram to see when they play and how they do this season @cortlandwgolf