Shake secures Golfer of Month after top finish
9/30/2015 3:36:00 PM | Women's Golf
Sam Houston's Heather Shake has been named Southland Conference Women's Golfer of the Month after writing her name into the Bearkats' record book while taking the individual title, and helping the Kats to the team championship, at the Bob Hurley ORU Shootout on Tuesday.
The UH-Victoria transfer, competing in her first Division I collegiate tournaments, carded a 5-under, 67 opening round from Tulsa, Okla., tying Landa Stewart's 2006 feat. Her 1-under, 215, tied Shake with Stewart (2006) and Jennifer Heinz (2008) for third among 36-hole bests in team history
“I'm not surprised Heather is golfer of the month,” ninth-year women's head coach Tommy Chain said. “I've watched her even when she was in high school and I knew how good she was. When she got here, I was even more impressed. Tee to green, she is real solid.”
The Pearland product notched a tie for 17th at the Memphis Women's Intercollegiate, Sept. 14-15, shooting 16-over, 229, among a field of 85 competitors during the squad's season-opening tournament. The Bearkats proceeded to place tied for fifth at 71-over, 923.
The Bearkats' last women's golfer of the month accolade came nearly one year ago, when Paige Nelson captured the honor on Oct. 1, 2014, following Sam Houston's top spot at the ORU Shootout.
Shake leads the Kats with a 74 stroke average, slightly ahead of senior Nicole Budnik's 74.67. Arguably the most impressive aspect of her game, according to Chain, is the ability to maintain composure through the highs and lows.
“She doesn't carry what happens on the previous hole to the next,” Chain said. “She stays in the present, which is what she has to do. No matter what happens, it doesn't faze her. When we talk about any weaknesses, she is able to make those adjustments, and get better.”
Sam Houston returns to action Monday and Tuesday, hosting the Bearkat Women's Invitational, alongside 13 other squads at Huntsville's Raven Nest Golf Course. For the latest, follow @SHSUWomenGolf and visit GoBearkats.com.
