March 28, 2011
Branch Law Firm Golf Clinic Photo Gallery
The University of New Mexico women’s golf team conducted its annual Branch Law Firm Clinic on Saturday, March 26, at the UNM Championship Golf Course.
Almost 100 golfers of all levels attended the free clinic held on a sunny Saturday morning. It was taught by UNM head coach Jill Trujillo, who is a certified LPGA/PGA Professional, assistant coach Becky Dover and the Lobo women’s golf team.
“We try to get women of the community to learn golf and get better at golf,” said UNM head coach Jill Trujillo. “We teach putting, chipping, full swing and etiquette.”
The clinic started inside with a welcome by the team. The Lobos introduced themselves, stated their hometown, year in school and major.
Coach Trujillo then described the team’s extensive training regimen: one hour three times a week with an emphasis on core training and exercises to improve balance and overall strength from the shoulders to the knees.
The Lobos explained, and even demonstrated, some of the drills that UNM assistant strength and conditioning coach Aaron Day puts them through. Part of the conditioning includes running on the Lobo track or climbing the steps at University Stadium.
The team all agreed that aggressive training and conditioning is not a lot of fun, but necessary considering they have to lug a 20-lb. bag nearly four miles on three consecutive days.
Trujillo also discussed the importance of a healthy diet and staying hydrated.
“We show them everything we do to get ready for a tournament, including stretching, nutrition and the mental game,” said Trujillo.
The team took a few questions before the clinic shifted outside for the final two hours of on-course instruction.
Interesting answers came from a question, “When did you start playing golf?” Sophomore Beth Buchner was the youngest, saying she first picked up the clubs as a 3-year-old. Most of the Lobos were between the ages of 6 and 10.
“It’s great to get the people out here,” said Buchner. “It’s fun to teach them and give back to a sport we know and love so well.”
Out on the state-of-the-art practice facility at the south end of the Championship Course, Trujillo split the ladies into three groups: beginner, intermediate and advanced.
Juniors Manon de Roey provided instruction on chipping and bunker play. The competitive juices of the clinicians got flowing when a chipping contest was held at the end.
Freshmen Sofia Hoglund and Sammi Stevens and assistant coach Becky Dover helped an energetic group on the putting green. Roars could be heard loud and clear when those 20-footers started falling.
Trujillo, Buchner and senior Jordan Kennon assisted on the driving range.
“It was such a fabulous day on a great golf course,” said clinic participant Amy Ballou. “I’m definitely going to come back and golf again. I want to get more lessons. I look forward to improving as a golfer.”