UNCP women’s golf tees off

By G’Linda Bethea
Staff Writer

All the buzz is about UNCP’s 2007 football team, but women’s golf also is a new team on campus.                     

“We will be good our spring season,” said Kaitlin Payton, a freshman recruit from Clayton High School in Clayton, N.C.

Emily Wentley of Mevane, N.C., and Garrett Locklear of Laurinburg, N.C., also were recruited and have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the team.

The team has already been practicing and competing in matches.            

“Some days short game drills and some days we play,” said women’s golf  coach David Synan.

The ‘Bravettes,” as they like to be called, seem to be enjoying the game and their coach.            

“There is a different perspective on things because he is a guy coach,” said Payton.

For her, it is a little different having a male coach since she was accustomed to female coaches in her past.            

Being “the best stressed team,” said Coach Synan, the ladies thus far consist of a “good core of young ladies that will only get better if they dedicate themselves.”

On the golf course, the team exemplifies Coach Synan’s coaching philosophy.            

“Control and aggression,” said Coach Synan.

"Being prepared mentally and physically with the task at hand” is also part of his philosophy, he said.            

The ladies have started with their competitions.

“The first tournament was a lot of fun,” Coach Synan said.            

He and the team are looking forward to more competitions and plan on competing with more teams throughout the region.