Shake Out

Glendora, CA -- The Citrus College Women's Golf program kicks off their 2014 slate this weekend at the Desert Invitational. The Owls, who have seen steady improvement the past couple of seasons, will be looking to build on that in 2014, and despite the youth of the roster, make a push for some post-season spots.

 "I have five new players and just one returner. At the community college level, every year is kind of a rebuilding year. We're working with the girls to get them better and hope for the best," said Citrus College Head Women's Golf Coach Trip Horton. "The goal is always to go as far as you can into the post-season. Our focus isn't just on golf, but also our athletes' performance in the classroom."

One strength that's become a trademark for the Owls' squads over the past couple of season has been their ability to display a measure of togetherness despite the unique individual qualities of the sport.

"Camaraderie is going to be a strength for us this year. I try to build my teams around the team concept, even though golf can be such an individual sport," Horton said. "It's been good to see our players get along and become friends, and then translate that to the course, the classroom, and as they proceed through life."

Despite some youth and lack of experience at the college level, a few individuals have the chance to stand out and make it back to back seasons in which Citrus has a player move on to both the SoCal Regionals and CCCAA State Championships.

"There's a couple of girls that have the talent to move on past conference, but you never know how the rest of the conference and region are going to shake out," Horton said. "It's such a small sport that sometimes the talent pool isn't very strong, and other years it's very strong."

In order for Citrus to have that type of success though, they will have to stay sharp mentally, and work on the aspects of the game that are less physical.

"Their strategic development will be key to their success as the season goes along. You can teach anyone to swing a club, but being able to be mentally strong and make the right decision out on the course is the trick," Horton said. "Preparation and getting better and better is going to be crucial."

The Owls will get their first crack at things, this Sunday morning as they teed off at Indian Canyons Golf Course in Palm Springs early this morning. Round two of the Desert Invite will tee-off again at Indian Canyons on Monday morning again at 7:00 AM.  

"I'm excited to get out there and see how they can do. You never know how it's all going to shake out," Horton said. "I'm looking forward to seeing how they play this weekend, and then we can build from there."