THE GREEN SHEET GOLFERS OF THE WEEK
Hadley Richards
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rowing or golf?
That was the question facing Saratoga Springs sophomore Hadley Richards in 2011 as she pondered her athletic future. Richards, now a high school senior, ultimately chose the latter and has decided to play on the women’s golf team when she attends Union College next year.
“I rowed my entire life since I was seven,” she said. “I just felt the need for a change and I felt golf was my way to go. I loved rowing and I still love it today, but I’m very glad I made the decision.”
Her choice of sport and which college to attend came down to one thing — family. Hadley Richards and her sister Olivia Richards enjoy teaming up against their parents Carla and Steve Richards in ninehole competitions at Saratoga Golf and Polo Club.
“We have scramble tournaments against each other,” Hadley Richards said. “Me and my sister definitely beat my mom and my dad.”
Union College is also a family tradition for the Richards.
“Union’s always been my No. 1 school because my dad went there, his sister went there,” Richards said. “It’s just a big family school.”
The Dutchmen women’s golf team started in the fall of 2012 and is coached by longtime women’s basketball coach Mary Ellen Burt.
Richards’ parents are involved with the publication of Kingdom, a magazine centered on Arnold Palmer’s golf career with features on current players and courses. The connection has allowed Richards to meet Palmer and his family and even players such as 2010 U. S. Women’s Open winner Paula Creamer.
“It makes me very nervous,” Richards said of meeting celebrities. “You don’t really say much, you just kind of stare at them. But they’re just very kindhearted people and they love to talk about the sport. They love to see young kids get out and playing. The more kids that play, the better the sport is.”
Before her college golf career begins in the fall, Richards plans to work with golf coach Kevin Hughes to improve her consistency. But with the enjoyment she gets out of playing, setting aside time to work on her game shouldn’t be a problem.
“There’s something about being outside that’s just great,” she said.