Checking in with Team Canada

Rankings Watch

With collegiate play underway some Team Canada members have been making moves in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).

Here’s an updated look at where some Development and National Team members sit.

Men’s WAGR

• 47 – Corey Conners
• 109 – Justin Shin
• 157 – Taylor Pendrith
• 186 – Adam Svensson
• 219 – Garrett Rank
• 276 – Chris Hemmerich

Women’s WAGR

• 27 – Brooke Henderson
• 94 – Augusta James
• 122 – Brittany Marchand
• 183 – Christine Wong
• 256 – Jisoo Keel

Where are they this week?

Brittany Marchand looks to defend her title at this week’s NCAA Sir Pizza Terrapin Challenge in Miami, FL. Last season as a sophomore at NC State, Marchand bested teammate Augusta James in a playoff to capture the individual title at 6-under par. The tournament begins Monday and concludes February 26 on the Senator Course at Shula’s Golf Club.

Back to some warm weather in Miami

— Augusta James (@augusta_james) February 23, 2013

Eric Banks – NCAA John Hayt Invitational Feb 24-26
Christine Wong – NCAA Cal Classic Feb 25-26
Adam Svensson – St Edward’s Invitational March 3-4

To follow golfstat scoring, click here.

Alumni Watch

The 2013 Symetra season started off strong for two former Team Canada members. Sue Kim of Langley, BC., finished in a tie for 21st after rounds of 74-68-78, while Brantford, Ont., native Nicole Vandermade finished in a tie for 30th after round of 77-71-74.

Vandermade also has a blog that she updates while on tour. You can check that out here.

Get to know Team Canada

This week we check in with Development Squad member Jennifer Ha of Calgary, AB. Currently a sophomore at Kent State University, Ha is also the 2012 Alberta Junior Girl Champion and finished tied for 5th at the 2012 Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

On course questions:

GC: Ever had hole in one? If so where and how did it happen?
JH: No, I've never had a hole in one.

GC: What golfers would make up your dream pairing?
JH: Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, my dad and I

GC: How did you learn to play golf/who introduced you?
JH: My dad has taught me since I started playing golf at 9 years old.

GC: What’s the best golfing advice you’ve ever been given?
JH: I have been given some great advice but I think the best advice that I have been told is to create a post-shot routine and it’s still something that I am working on currently. Thanks Dr. ALT!

GC: If someone were to ask you why they should pick up the game of golf, what would you tell them?
JH: It's great exercise, you can play the sport for a very long time and it’s a great opportunity to meet people along the way!

GC: If you could sit down and have dinner with any professional golfer, who would it be and what would you ask them?
JH: Just one? But there are so many! I would have to say Tom Watson because I have always admired how he carries himself so well on the golf course. I would ask him what are the things he does to keep such a humble attitude with the success that he has.

GC: What’s in your golf bag aside from your golf clubs? Any lucky charms?
JH: I always have my lip balm in the smallest pocket in my golf bag.

Off course questions:

GC: What’s something a lot of people wouldn’t know about you?
JH: I say a prayer before every round.

GC: If you didn’t play golf what sport would you have wanted to be better at?
JH: I would like to be able to swim. I have always wanted to learn but I'm scared of the water!

GC: If you could have any super power, what would it be?
JH: I would want to have super strength because then I would be able to hit the ball further and beat Jason Glass in a long drive contest.

GC: What’s on your IPod right now?
JH: I have the entire Pitch Perfect soundtrack on my IPod right now. Lately, Clarity by Zedd has been on repeat for a few days straight, but I do listen to a lot of jazz and classical music, especially when I am practicing.

GC: Do you have any fears? If so, what are they?
JH: I am really scared of large bodies of water and the dark.

GC: What’s a typical day in your life like?
JH: 6:00AM-Wake up, 6:30AM-Workout, 8AM-Golf Practice, 11AM-Classes, 3:30PM-5PM-Golf Practice, 6PM-Homework 10PM-Bedtime! Very exciting... I know!