10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Playing Division I Golf

Former D1 player Madison Lomas offers advice for anyone in your life considering a run at college golf

It’s been five years since I graduated from Cleveland State University, where I played Division I golf on a full-ride golf scholarship, and I definitely miss those days: all-expenses-paid travel, golfing every day, state-of-the-art golf facilities, physical trainers, golf coaches, fitness coaches, nutrition coaches, amazing new clothes and shoes every season… The list goes on. I had everything a girl could want, but at the time those things were an afterthought. When I received the offer letter and was handed that green Vikings hoodie and an envelope with an inconceivable dollar amount on it, all I was thinking was, “the pressure is on, the LPGA is calling...” Needless to say, with that mindset things were going to be a bit stressful. But hey, hindsight is 20/20, right? So, looking back, here are 10 things I wish I knew before jumping on that plane from California to Ohio.

1. Comparison is the Thief of Joy – Golf can be a team sport, and a truly exciting one at that. But sizing yourself up against your teammates on day one is a surefire way to impede on that potentially beautiful team bond, and the ability to be indestructible against your opponents come game time. Golf practice was always spent together–not solo–for a reason, and there are so many benefits to helping each other out and working through any glitches in your swing or doubts in your mental game. There is an element of wanting to be the best that can be helpful, but getting upset when another player scores better than you, that’s an opportunity to think, “Hey, I’m in incredible company right now.”

2. Quit Future Tripping – I think my biggest downfall was the pressure of wanting to be on Tour. If I wasn’t playing my best or meeting the incredibly high expectations I held for myself, I would crash and burn. I spent many nights after class banging golf balls without purpose in front of a Trackman, just hoping by sure will power the 89 from practice would turn into a 75. I always thought to myself “Shooting these high scores will NOT get me on Tour.” There’s an element to that which is helpful, but being on a Divison I team is hard enough on its own; thinking about your career before receiving your diploma is definitely putting the cart before the horse.