2011 Women's Golf Season Preview

Sheryl Crow's hit "Every Day is a Winding Road" could actually be a pretty good way to describe the journey on a golf course - for a player, for a team, and for a season. One never knows for sure just how the road may turn, but the TNU Lady Trojans hope theirs will lead them to another conference championship and a return to the national tournament next May.

Back for a ninth season, head coach Michael Johnson anticipates the resurgence of three proven returning players and the emergence of three promising freshmen.  Junior Ashley Birdwell Scism not only carries a new name after getting married last May, she'll also carry the title of team captain.  Scism seems poised for a big year as evidenced by her win at Nashville's Women's Municipal Amateur tournament in July.

Sophomores Whitney Phillips and Maddie Privott both showed flashes of brilliance as freshmen last year.  Each has been working hard throughout the hot summer months to refine their obvious skill and athleticism.  Their journey to competitive rounds will no doubt be helpful to the three freshmen who will follow them this year.  Sarah Jo Dixon, Loren Pickett, and Ashley Randolph have each enjoyed solid summer tournaments in preparation for their first year of collegiate play.

This year's schedule will combine exceptionally strong competition as well as some of the eastern USA's most scenic countryside.  Highlights include the opening trip in September to Canton, Ohio for the Walsh University Invitational featuring a predominantly NCAA D-II field.  The NAIA National Preview in Greeneville, Tennessee in late October should provide, if nothing else, a great view of fall foliage, not to mention a top-level competition.  The Trojans also host a great field of teams in October at Old Hickory Country Club.