Chipping and Putting with Tim Schaetzel
9/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
University of Michigan freshman men's golfer Tim Schaetzel has made the 12 hour trek from Atlanta to Ann Arbor to begin his collegiate playing career. The 2003 American Junior Golf Association Scholastic All-American and National Merit Scholar Semifinalist closed out his high school career with a third place finish at the Georgia State Championship, but now will try to take his game to the next level in the Big Ten Conference.
In his first collegiate tournament, Schaetzel earned a starting spot on the five-man team and came away with an admitted disappointing tie for 71st finish. But after getting those first tournament jitters out of the way, he is ready to make a push to help the young Maize and Blue team to the top of the conference.
In addition to life on the links, Schaetzel is also making the most of his new lifestyle as a student-athlete and takes a moment to reflect on his first golf experience and his first couple weeks of college life.
On his first collegiate tournament
It was a change, I was a lot more nervous than I thought I would be. I've played some really strong tournaments in the past, but really playing on a team for the first time was hard. It was very different. The high school team I played on was a very small team, it wasn't a huge deal. Playing for the University of Michigan, it was much more intimidating the first time. I was just a little more nervous, a little more geared up.
On being a freshman and trying to compete
Playing with guys who are four years older, and have been doing this for four years, and then you show up. You don't know the drill. You don't know where to go in the morning to hit the balls. You don't know when youre supposed to get to the carts. You don't know how long you should anticipate playing. You just got to pace yourself. It's just so much different than a summer golf experience. But it just was so incredibly fun. I just wished I had played a little better.
On expectations of U-M squad
I really think this team has the talent to get to the regional and then to nationals if we play to our potential. So, we would like to try and be competitive as possible, especially in the Big Ten. If you are competitive in the Big Ten then you are looking a potential regional and national spot. I think just trying to be one the top teams in the Big Ten is a really good goal for us at this point.
On adjusting to college life
It has been really busy so far. The classes are pretty good. I have enjoyed a lot of my professors. Just living on my own, being 12 hours away from home is definitely been a change. But all the people I have met have been really nice. I've received a lot of support.
On the differences from Atlanta and Ann Arbor
You know that is a good question. I would have to think about that. I can't really put my finger on any one thing that is different from home, but the snow. That is something I have to get ready for. We have had no more than three inches, maybe four so that is going to be interesting to see. I have gone skiing for a week a few times, but once that week is done you go back to 70 degree weather. So, it will be interesting.
On what he misses the most from home
Sweet tea, without question. It is unsweetened ice tea, but when it is made and still hot, you pour a whole bunch of sugar in it. It is sugar ice tea. No one has it here. I have looked everywhere. But I have made it in my dorm room.
Players Mentioned
