(Courtesy of Radford University)
Editor’s note: There are hundreds of men’s and women’s college golf programs. Thanks to a tip from Anne Clelland of Handshake 2.0 − and her husband, a university professor − I had the opportunity to do an email interview in the spring with collegiate golfer Megan Leineweber of Radford University, located in Radford, Virginia, near where I live. The Radford Highlanders compete in the Big South Conference against schools such as Winthrop, Gardner-Webb, VMI, UNC Asheville and Charleston Southern. I hope you enjoy this slice of college golf with Megan.
MEGAN LEINEWEVER LOVES GOLF. The Radford University junior and business management major plays for the Highlanders on the women’s golf team. She recently shared her passion for the game.
Q: How did golf hook you?
Megan: When I started playing in Pinehurst, softball was still my first love and golf was just something I did on the weekends. But once I started playing competitively I really got hooked.
Q: How did you choose Radford University?
Megan: When I first started looking at schools, Radford actually didn’t have any scholarship money to offer me. But right before I committed to a school in South Carolina, the coach at Radford sent me an email saying some scholarship money had been freed up. So my family and I went down to visit and it just felt right, and the rest is history.
Q: How is the golf team doing?
Megan: This past fall was the best performance the women’s program has had since I’ve been here. The spring so far hasn’t been as good but our last two tournaments we finished in sixth and third, which is a good sign with our conference tournament less than a week away.
Q: What is your home course and where else do you like to play golf in the New River Valley?
Megan: When I’m home at Salisbury, Maryland, I worked and played at a semi-private golf club called Green Hill Yacht & Country Club. But in the New River Valley I usually play at Draper Valley or Pulaski Country Club.
Q: How do you prepare for a new golf season?
Megan: Once the school year ends, I’m really able to work on my game. During the summer I work on things that were weak during the season and, generally, that has been my short game. I also play in numerous USGA events like the U.S. Women’s Open qualifier and Women’s Amateur qualifier.
Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses of your golf game?
Megan: The strengths of my game would be my ball striking and my ability to grind it out on the golf course when things just aren’t going my way. My weaknesses are my ups and downs and my putting.
Q: What is it like competing at the collegiate level?
Megan: Competing at the collegiate level is a lot of fun but is also very competitive. I’m a very competitive person so I love every minute of playing in a tournament.
Q: Why do you want to pursue a career in golf?
Megan: I want to pursue a career in golf because, as corny as it sounds, I just feel like it’s what I’m meant to do. It really is my passion and I can’t see myself doing anything else.
SHORT SHOTS:
Most trusted club in your bag: Driver
Favorite golf course: Bulle Rock
Favorite sport other than golf: Football
Dream foursome: Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa
−The Armchair Golfer
Radford College may be the best kept secret in America. A friend of mine sent both daughters there and other friends have done the same.
Without exception, they talk about how gorgeous the surrounding areas and mountains are.
Radford University definitely seems like a great college choice, and I can attest to the beauty of the area.