University of Minnesota Athletics
Get to Know the Golfers: Sophomores
4/18/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Each week, Gopher Sports will feature different student-athletes on the women's golf team. This week, get to know sophomores Muyu Wu of Hangzhu, China, Niamh Ward of Lurgan, Northern Ireland, and Margaret Heggerston of Pequot Lakes, Minn.
GopherSports: How has this season gone for you so far?
Muyu Wu: This season had been a tough one for me because I did not play very stable games. But I am continuing work with coaches on my swing so I believe it will get better.
Niamh Ward: It hasn't been my best but I've learned a lot from it. I'm working on some things in my swing now that will hopefully help next season.
Maggie Heggerston: This season has been a lot of fun! Unfortunately I've been sick and now injured so I won't be able to finish the season out.
GS: What have been the biggest surprises and challenges?
MW: The biggest challenge I have this semester is my swing. There is not a big problem about it but I always had little issues going on, for instance, my alignment and aim. We are working on having a high level of acceptance on the golf course, so I can accept the score I had since I was working on my swing. The biggest surprise I had since I have been here is how this sport becomes a teamwork, and how amazing it is to have the teammates and coaches beside you in a tournament.
NW: Since my transition to the Carlson school of Management this year, it's been a lot tougher to balance golf and school. I've found that I have to be very disciplined when we're travelling to make sure I stay on top of my schoolwork.
MH: I think the biggest challenge has been having such a small team. We all have had to have so much trust in each other and we're all we have. If one person plays poorly, there's only so many other people we can rely on to pick up the slack.
GS: With almost two seasons under your belt, what do you think you've improved on the most since freshman year?
MW: On the technical side, what I improved the most is short game, because I got to work on my pitch shot a lot at our facility. The winter practice is much better than I thought before I came to the US.
NW: I think my maturity level both on and off the golf course has been one of the biggest improvements for me. I feel like I've grown up a lot since coming to the University of Minnesota and have become more independent.
MH: I think my biggest improvement has been my mental game. I feel like I finally have a grip on college athletics and how to handle myself. I know what to expect now.
GS: What are some things you're still working on?
MW: I am still working on my putting, and recently working on my swing. I did not start playing golf in a really young age, so my feeling on the green is not that stable. I can make this shortage up by spending a longer time on it. About the swing I believe what I am working on with coaches will put me in a better shape.
NW: I'm working on a couple of things in my swing right now with coach. I'm really happy with the changes and I think they'll bring a lot of consistency into my game which has been something that I've been trying to improve. I'm also working on trying to strengthen my mental game and becoming more relaxed on the course and just enjoy being out there.
MH: Always working on my game. It's a never-ending cycle with golf.
GS: What has been your favorite/most memorable moment this season?
MW: My favorite moment this season was working on the golf course with Coach Redman last September for the Minnesota Invitation. I was playing four birdies in a row, and coach was helping me at that time. It was amazing to play a good round and share the happiness with somebody who cares about you that much. We all love to see Coach Redman and Coach Cleary being proud of us and we know that they always do.
NW: It would have to be when we went on a zipline obstacle course when we were competing in Tallahassee. It was a lot of fun, even though I'm terrified of heights but it was a good bonding experience for the team.
MH: The best part of the season has probably been spring break.
GS: What are you looking forward to in the next coming seasons?
MW: I want to have more stable scores on the golf course. To achieve this goal I will practice and play some tournaments during the summer vacation to stay competitive.
NW: I'm looking forward to having a bigger team next semester. I'm really excited for the incoming freshmen, they seem like a great group of girls so I can't wait for them to become part of the team. I think they'll be a great asset for the program.
MH: I'm looking to playing and not being injured!
GS: What are some things you're still adjusting to in the US/miss from back home?
MW: For me the biggest challenge is the language. As a non-native speaker I have to spend a longer time for schoolwork. I miss my parents, because of the 13-hours time difference I cannot communicate with them at anytime. Otherwise I miss the food back home, but that is not a really big deal for me now because as an athlete I eat everything I have after rounds.
NW: For me it would be my family and friends that I miss the most. I'm very close with them so it's tough sometimes trying to find time to talk to them, especially with the time difference.
GS: What is your favorite thing about going to college near home?
MH: I love that I can go home whenever I feel like it, which is usually never, but I like having the option.
