Taking her first steps onto the course at just five years old, Sarah Funderburg is now a skillful senior on the Winthrop women’s golf team.
“Although my parents aren’t golfers, they took my brother and I to the golf course when we were young, and we have played ever since. My brother has definitely kept me interested in golf throughout the years,” Funderburg said.
Aside from her brother maintaining her fascination with golf, Funderburg also looks to her favorite athlete, American professional golfer Jordan Spieth, for motivation.
“The consistency of his game is something I and the Winthrop women’s golf team should strive for,” Funderburg said.
During the 2020-2021 season (Funderburg’s junior year), she was named the Big South Conference Golfer of the Week on Feb. 18, as well as a Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar.
According to the WGCA website, this recognition acknowledges “the outstanding academic and athletic achievements in women’s college golf.” Athletes selected must have a 3.50 GPA or higher for their entire collegiate career, as well as other notable qualities.
Last week the Eagles traveled to Kiawah Island during Winthrop’s fall break to compete in the 2021 Buccaneer Classic on Oct. 18 and 19.
“Competing during Winthrop’s fall break was difficult because most of my friends were able to go home or have downtime. Although I missed the break, Kiawah Island is beautiful, and I did not have to make up any work from my classes,” Funderburg said.
Funderburg led her team in Par 4 scoring both days of the competition, ending with a second–place finish among the Eagles with a three-round score of 229. Overall the Eagles finished in 11th place out of 13 teams.
“Overall, my performance could have been much better; I struggled mentally with confidence throughout the tournament,” Funderburg said. “I become very nervous during events. I want to represent Winthrop well, so I feel that much is on the line.”
“We have a strong team this semester,” she said. “Each of us have been playing golf since we were young and have gained much tournament experience. We are off to a slow start this fall but are looking to prove our hard work in the upcoming Wofford tournament.”
Funderburg’s favorite aspect of being a collegiate athlete is all the life-long friendships she has made with her teammates. She and her team are optimistic and determined going into the final tournament of the fall season, the Terrier Intercollegiate.
“I am not afraid to admit that I hit poor shots quite often. I find that what makes my game stand out is that I never give up when things aren’t looking great. I always try to keep my head up and shoulders back, ready to make a great recovery,” Funderburg said.
More than simply improving her golf talents during her time at Winthrop, Funderburg has developed skills as a collegiate athlete that will be useful beyond college.
“I feel that being a collegiate athlete teaches one to manage stress and find out what his or her true priorities are,” Funderburg said.
Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, Funderburg plans to attend PA (physician assistant) school in one of the Carolinas after graduation.
“Although I enjoy playing golf, I am looking forward to taking some time off,” Funderburg said. “I feel that I need to take a bit of time to focus on my career and continue with golf once things have settled.”
