May 22--Northwestern's Hana Lee has an odd philosophy regarding the weather at the NCAA Women's Golf Championships: The worse it is, the better it is.
"I hope it's windy," she said. "It would be a huge advantage."
The six-day, combination stroke- and match-play event begins Friday at Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla., a penal layout designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin with no parallel fairways to promote varying wind conditions.
"I love playing in the wind because we're used to it," said the Korea-born Lee, who was raised in Southern California and has no sympathy for those who can't control their ball flight. "The key is staying patient."
The same applies to the Wildcats, who are seeking their first top-10 finish in the NCAAs after tying for 15th last year and recording a solo 15th in 2013.
Before 2013, the Wildcats had made the NCAA field only once. Coach Emily Fletcher has built the program into a consistent winner, capturing two Big Ten titles in the last three years. This year's team has exceptional depth.
"Our No. 1 could be No. 5, and our No. 5 could be No. 1," Lee said.
None of Fletcher's top five players hails from the Midwest, but she has helped them become well-rounded golfers who can excel in various conditions.
"They have become a little bit of 'mudders,' " Fletcher said. "It's a good sign to hear that from a senior (Lee) as a way to gain some advantage. Half the field would get frustrated (by windy conditions), and that narrows the field."
tgreenstein@tribpub.com
