Women's Golf | 10/26/2020 11:00:00 AM
Grace Curran had a statement freshman season that established herself as one of the top young golfers in the Big Ten. She was fourth on the team in scoring average (76.20) after playing in seven tournaments during her 2019-20 campaign. Curran had her best finish when she earned a tie for 10th place at The Golf Rush (71-77-73—221, +5) and continued to improve from that tournament.Over the course of the summer, Curran notched two wins. The first came at the Minnesota Golf Association Women's Match Play Championship in Prior Lake, Minn. where she claimed the victory in playoff fashion. Curran earned her second title of the summer at the Golfweek Midwest Collegiate held at Kampen Golf Course on the campus of Purdue University. Curran, who finished the 54-hole tournament tied for first at 1-over par (76-72-69—217), made par on the fourth extra hole to claim top honors from Purdue's Jocelyn Bruch.
Gopher Sports sat down with Curran to discuss her summer success, return to campus and some fun facts about the sophomore.
Gopher Sports: How has it felt to be back on campus with your teammates?
Grace Curran: It has been awesome to be back on campus with teammates. My teammates are some of my best friends, and it had been quite some time since I had seen them last. It has been amazing to be able to spend some quality time with each other.
GS: What did you do over the summer to practice and improve your skills?
GC: Over the summer, I was able to participate in five different tournaments, which was a blast. It felt great to get the opportunity to compete again. When I was not playing in tournaments, I was practicing at my home course in Illinois, with my younger brother, who also plays golf competitively. It was great to learn from him and be able to compete daily, whether it be in putting or chipping contests or on the course in a match.
GS: Did you pick up any fun hobbies during the summer quarantine period?
GC: I tried to work out almost every day during quarantine. I actually found myself really enjoying new circuits that were great workouts and they served as a fantastic way to push myself, even when we were in lockdown. Also, I tried to get better at long distance running and really enjoyed doing that to get fresh air.
GS: Now entering your sophomore season, what is something you want to improve on from last year?
GC: I would like to improve upon many different things heading into my sophomore season, but a couple of things in particular include my putting stroke and lag putting. I would love to be able to convert more birdie opportunities when I am given the chance. Also, I would like to improve my mental game and find ways to calm my nerves before tournaments, allowing me to relax and perform to my full potential. Lastly, I would really like to focus on being a great teammate and trying to lead by example.
GS: Looking ahead to the 2021 season, what are some of the goals of the team?
GC: Some goals for the team would be to continue to improve the team camaraderie, and improve upon each of our scoring averages, learning how to put 4-5 solid scores from the group together in tournaments to improve how we finish in these events.
GS: What are you most excited about for this year?
GC: I am most excited about being able to compete again with my team. I have never experienced a true "spring season" as a gopher athlete, so therefore I am beyond excited to be able to get back on the course with everyone.
GS: What was your favorite memory from freshman year?
GC: My favorite memory from freshman year would probably be traveling to the events with the team. We all grew so much closer together on these trips and became a tight knit group. Outside of golf, the Minnesota football win over Penn State at home was an absolutely amazing experience that I will never forget.
GS: What is one thing you are most proud of from your career so far?
GC: One thing that I am most proud of is how I have continued to improve year after year. I have noticed my game taking huge strides mentally and physically, and I plan to continue this trend.
GS: What is your favorite class you are taking this semester? Why?
GC: My favorite class I am taking this semester would probably be my history of rock and roll class. It is very intriguing to me and is super interesting to listen to the variety of different songs and styles of music.
Quick Hits:
Favorite Song: What You See Is What You Get by Luke Combs
Most binge-worthy tv show: One Tree Hill
Summer or winter: Summer
Most used emoji: 🤪
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October 26, 2020 at 11:59PM
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