Chipping and Putting with Ali Stinson
10/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
When the scorecards come in, there is always a constant for the Wolverines.
Whether the weather is cold or warm, windy or calm, junior Ali Stinson has always given the Wolverines the scores that can be counted on. She is commonly referred to as "Miss Consistency." She is always there.
Throughout her time with the Wolverines she has not missed a tournament, playing in 27 straight tournaments. She earned All-Big Ten second team honors last year as she helped the Wolverines to their highest finish at the Big Ten championship with a second place showing and the Maize and Blue's fourth NCAA regional trip in the last five years.
Sitting down with Stinson, she sits calm and a little shy, but she knows and understands her game and relishes the role that she is the one that can be counted on. Yes, she would like to be leading with the charge with red numbers every round, but she has perspective. She knows what is best for the team. She knows her goals C fairway, green and putt.
Having Stinson on the team helps bring balance for the entire Wolverine squad. She does not worry about pressure. She just wants to play and play consistently.
Stinson took a moment to talk about her play and about the where the program is
On her consistent play
"My goal when I play golf is to shoot really consistent numbers. The things I focus on when I practice, especially this summer when I was at home, was working a lot on hitting the middle of the greens, hitting the middle of the fairways, and never three putting. So, I try to focus on that every round and I think that is one of the reasons I am so consistent."
On if she likes being known as the consistent one
"I do kind of like it. Obviously, I would like to go out there and shoot a low number every chance I can get, but I am pretty happy with my role and consistently getting the numbers to help this team."
On being All-Big Ten second team last year
"It was always in the back of my mind as one of my goals, especially when I started so well last season. I was really happy at the end of the year that I made it. It was even nicer that I Laura (Olin) and Bri (Broderick) were honored with me."
On how being an upperclassman is different from her first two years
"I'm just more confident in my playing ability and what I'm supposed to do. I'm really used to being out there and competing and knowing how to dig deep near the end of my rounds."
On if she sees herself as a leader
"I lead more by example than a vocal leader. I am a quieter person, but I definitely see myself as a leader of this team."
On if there is pressure to consistent to shoot good numbers
"I am pretty confident that I can shoot good numbers every time I go out and play. I like to put that kind of pressure on myself. But I also know I am part of a six person team and I don't feel like it is all on me to shoot that consistent score."
On taking the next step with this program
"This team has a lot of talent and we only lost one senior last year, so it's the same team as we had a year ago. Lately, in the last few tournaments we have needed those one or two more scores. We need those 70s to mid 70s rounds and I think those will come. We can gain a lot of confidence by shooting some good numbers consistently, and then that will carry us out for the rest of the fall season. We just need to be patient and really work to get those numbers."
On if Michigan can take it to the next level this season
"This team definitely has the depth to take it to the next level. We just need to put it all together. By going to practice and if everyone is working on what they need to work on we can make it to that next level."
On if Midwest golf can compete with southern schools
"We work just as hard in our offseason at the indoor practice facilities. Most of the players on the team, or around the Big Ten are from northern cities, so we are used to taking a break during the winter. I don't think it hurts us. I don't think it bothers us to compare ourselves to southern schools. We have shown that we can play with them at any point in the year."
On having that winter break
"The winter break can be really good for players. It gets you reenergized for the spring season. It gives you a little break and allows you to refocus. You still work on the little things in your game, but for the more part it is nice to get away. I know it's really good for us."
On adapting to changing weather conditions during play
"Most of us are used to the different types of conditions. We know on colder days we need to keep swinging to keep ourselves warm when. Most of us have grown up like that, especially playing here or for me in Canada. So, we know when it is windy how to adjust, or even when it is warm to that the course conditions change. Weather is just part of the game."
Contact: Tom Wywrot (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
