By Andrew Jason
Photos by Bison Athletics
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] dynasty is coming to an end at NDSU. One of NDSU’s greatest golfers of all time, Amy Anderson, is graduating this year. For the last four years, Bison fans have grown accustomed to hearing about Anderson winning on the links. We look back at her four years here and look to what’s next for her.
With golf being such an individual sport, you’d think that Amy Anderson’s favorite memory would be coming out first in one of her 17 wins but you’d be wrong. In fact, Anderson’s favorite memories come from her team. Whether it’s the tradition with her team that whoever loses the practice round has to eat something strange or the time that she accidentally stole a hairdryer during a tournament in Oklahoma. Those are the memories that she’ll always cherish.
“When you’re out on the golf course just playing your round, it’s you and the course but all the other time during practices, workout, practice rounds, eating meals, we’re a really close team and I think we all push each other to get better.”
[dropcap][/dropcap] Throughout her career, Anderson has not only had to battle her opponents, she’s also had to battle the elements. Most professional golfers come from a climate that allows them to practice year round, Anderson is forced to practice indoors several months of the year. However, she has defied the odds and, despite the obstacle, she has climbed to the top of her game.
Anderson tees off in her championship round.
“I don’t think you can sit here and say, ‘I’m just as good as I could have been if I could have practiced my short game every single day’ but as far as ball striking, I don’t think there’s any other way I would be farther ahead if I was down South,” said Anderson. “In fact, I feel like I have an advantage here because I get to work with Nathan (her brother) and my coach consistently… As far as my fundamentals with my golf game, staying here in North Dakota really helped that.”
While she’ll always remember her time at NDSU, Bison fans will probably always remember her track record of winning. She has left her footprint with the school. Anderson holds 18 of the 19 records for individual lowest 18-hole round. She also holds the record for lowest individual 36-hole and 54-hole rounds and has the best scoring average and best win-lost percentage. She not only succeeded on the golf course; she excelled in the classroom. Every year she has earned awards for her academic success. No matter how you look at it, she is one of the all-time greatest female golfers to come through NDSU. However, the numbers don’t matter too much for her, it’s the people.
“The thing that I’m most proud of is the people,” Anderson said. “My team, my coach and all the people in the Athletic Department are so friendly and care about you, not just as a student athlete but also as a person… I’ve talked to a lot of different people who go to different schools and what we have here is something special… No matter where I go, I’m so proud to be a Bison.”
Anderson has had quite the run at NDSU but her brother, Nathan, was along every step of the way. Nathan is 19-months older than his sister but they both came together to NDSU, played golf together and, amazingly, they both get along great. Their relationship has been very beneficial for each other.
“We practice mostly together,” said Nathan. “…We always have someone there to help us out.”
However, Amy doesn’t hope to end her success after graduating. She has plans of going pro after graduating in May. She’s not exactly sure how this process will work but she’s planning on going to Qualifying School this fall. This is a three-stage event and, depending on how she does at the school, she can get status on either the LPGA or the Symetra Tour.
Although her future is uncertain, one for is crystal clear. Bison fans have watched Amy Anderson compete throughout her time at NDSU and they are sure to continue watching her, wherever she may end up.
Career Timeline…
Freshman Year (2009-10)
o Was named Summit League Newcomer of the Year, Golfer of the Year, All-Summit League First team and D1 All-America honorable mention by the National Golf Coaches Association.
o Led the Summit League with a 74.0 average over 27 rounds.
o Made the cut into the round of 64 at the TRANS National Amateur and USGA Women’s Amatuer.
Sophomore Year (2010-11)
o Qualified for her second straight NCAA regional tournament as an individual.
o Tied for 12th at the NCAA Championship with a 2-over 290. This was the best national finish in the 14-year history of Summit League women’s golf.
o NCAA Elite 88 award winner as student-athlete with highest cumulative GPA at the national championship site. (4.0)
Junior Year (2011-12)
o Summit League Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
o Won 3 of 5 matches at the Curtis Cup in Scotland where the U.S. lost by one point to Great Britain and Ireland.
o Placed second at the World University Golf Championships in the Czech Republic.
Senior Year (2012-13)
o So far this year she is averaging a 72.79, an all-time low for her in her career.
o She was named the Summit League Golfer of the Week on March 13, after winning the South Dakota State Jackrabbit invitational by 14 shots, with a 7-under par 209, a new school record for a 54-hole tournament.
o She has tied the NCAA D1 record with her 17th career win.
