As the 2022 Georgia State Women’s Spring Invitational wrapped up on March 29, sophomore Regan Clifford shot a collegiate-low of 74 in the third round, placing her final score in second among her teammates.
“I was excited going into the tournament because I was familiar with the course. I did feel nervous because it was important for all of us to play well to be at the top of the very competitive field,” Clifford said.
Clifford’s previous career low was a score of 75 which she shot in the first round of the Golfweek Fall Challenge back in mid-September.
“When I shot my collegiate low, I felt great because I had not been playing my best golf these past couple weeks and to be able to shoot that score boosted my confidence heading into the next tournament at Mimosa Hills,” Clifford said. “Hopefully that score can translate to next week’s tournament and into conference the following week.”
While busy studying biology and competing on the women’s golf team, Clifford also serves as a representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, where she helps “communicate ways to enhance the experience for fellow student-athletes and to provide a voice for the student-athletes as a body,” the Winthrop Athletics website states.
This semester Clifford set goals to academically earn a 3.8 GPA, and then athletically she wants her team to make it to match play in the conference championship.
After her father signed her up for a golf camp at the age of 10, Clifford “instantly fell in love with it and continued to play.”
Before each tournament Clifford lines up a music playlist based on her mood that day, but always chooses “hype-up” songs that “get [her] focused and excited to play golf and to play [her] best.”
Though she is not really superstitious, Clifford does have one routine that she must complete before each competition.
“I always mark my golf ball with a green sharpie because it is my favorite color and I feel as though it brings me good luck,” Clifford said.
After each successful match Clifford loves celebrating with a sweet treat.
“My favorite way to celebrate would be to get ice cream. In high school I would do that too and then now I still do it to celebrate,” Clifford said.
Clifford’s favorite quote that she references for inspiration is from tennis star Venus Williams: “Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t, pretend that you do, and at some point, you will.”
“I like this quote by Venus because believing in yourself is easier said than done. I believe in that quote so much and I had trouble believing in myself, even though I know I can do it. I know that if I pretend, it will eventually happen and I will actually believe in myself consistently someday,” Clifford said.
In addition to professional athletes motivating her, Clifford’s favorite part about being a collegiate athlete is gaining love and support from her teammates as well.
“I love my teammates and they are my best friends, so to be able to compete with them is so much fun. I know that no matter what I shoot on the golf course they will still be my friends no matter what and support me either way. We have each other’s backs, and it is cool to watch each other play well and then celebrate together,” Clifford said.
