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Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Lauren Brightmore, Student Sports Information Assistant)
Oct. 11, 2010 - Mallory Carr is a master of the physically grueling and physiologically draining game of golf. While some throw clubs or have tantrums in frustration, North Central College junior
Mallory Carr has the perfect amount of poise and respect for the game. At the age of 12, Carr taught herself how to play. She now reaps the benefits of her hard work and dedication, averaging 83.1 strokes per 18-hole round, the second best stroke average for the Cardinals this fall. An active member of the campus community, the sport management major is a
Student-Athlete Mentor (SAM), a representative of
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and a member of the
women's track and field team.
For the first time since the program began competing in 1996, the North Central women's golf team has been ranked 16th in the nation according to NCAA Division III women's golf coaches' poll. Carr described the ranking as “unreal” and “exciting,” but the small team of nine did not become complacent. The team kept their momentum going this past weekend at the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Championships held at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton. Carr shot an impressive 54-hole score of 247, placing ninth overall and earning All-CCIW honors. The team placed second, the highest championship finish in the program's history.
Q: How did you first become involved in golf?
A: I began playing when I was 12. I had family members that golfed, and I had always wanted to try. Eventually my family and I went out to the course one day and they taught me how to play. I just picked it up on my own from there, teaching myself how to swing and figuring out what worked and what did not.
Q: So you never took any kind of formal lessons?
A: No, I never took any lessons. I had some people look at my swing over the years, but I just taught myself.
Q: If you could chose anyone in the world, who would you play with in a foursome?
A: Dustin Johnson, Tiger Woods (to have the experience), and Paula Creamer.
Q: What keeps you motivated throughout all 18 holes?
A: Taking my shoes off at the end (laughs). Golf is a hard sport. People don't think it's strenuous but 4 ½ -5 hours of walking is a lot. I try to remember that it is just a game.
Q: Have you ever experienced any “club throwers” during your rounds?
A: Not in my group, no. I've witnessed other females have temper tantrums and whack clubs on the ground, but I've never seen any clubs thrown.
Q: What do you like most about North Central?
A: I like how in athletics we are a family. I enjoy the camaraderie that everyone has. Everyone cheers on everyone…that's the whole “family” aspect of being here. I feel very welcome and comfortable.
Q: What is one tip of advice you would offer to a new golfer?
A: Stay in the moment. Eighteen holes is a long time. If you have a bad hole you still have 17 more to go.
Q: Who would you say is a role model to you?
A: I have a couple of them. My brother is one because I look up to him for everything and anything whether in sports, school, or everyday life. My senior teammate Alyssa Gaudio is one. I also look up to my parents too. I think they've done a good job raising me.
Q: What is more challenging: your long game or your short game?
A: My short game.
Q: Would you say that one aspect (short or long) is more important than the other?
A: I think in golf you need everything. It really depends on what hole you're on too. I guess sometimes if you have a good long game that can make up for a mediocre short game. Having everything together really helps though.
Q: What are some of your favorite courses to play?
A: Nettle Creek in Morris, Ill. and Carillon in Plainfield, Ill.
Q: As of Sept. 30, North Central entered the national rankings for the first time. How did that feel?
A: It was amazing. Once our coach told us that, just this feeling of accomplishment came upon me. I still can't even believe it especially since it was the first time. It's unrealistic.
Q: What are some benefits to being on such a small team?
A: Being on a small team is great because we all bond so quickly. It is easier to get along with one another and you grower closer as teammates. We develop good friendships with each other.
Q: Do you find that the lessons in golf on honesty and etiquette have in some way, molded you into the person you are today?
A: Yes. Strongly. Golf is a sport of honesty and integrity. Golf has taught me so much about life especially now, whereas in high school people were just out for fun. At the collegiate level, the game is more competitive and has taught me even more about ethics and fairness.
