The success junior Aaron Lisenbee is experiencing this year is largely a direct result of hard work that nobody gets to see.
Lisenbee put in a lot of practice hours this summer while working at the golf course. He believes that the work he put in last summer has paid off this year.
“I played everyday last summer,” said Lisenbee. “I think that really helped me improve from last year.”
The hard work he put in over the summer has helped Lisenbee finish in the top five in all four tournaments he has played in this fall. His great play this year is a big reason the Griffons
are having such a successful season. He notes some big differences in the team this year.
The loss of key seniors has changed his role. He is one of the more experienced players and has taken on a role of leadership.
Coach Jim Perry hopes that Lisenbee’s work ethic will rub off on some of the younger players.
“It’s a real good thing when your best player has the best work ethic,” said Perry. “Young players see that and it wears on them.”
Those long hours spent working with his irons and putter helped Lisenbee improve his short game. Perry thinks that an improved short game is the main reason for the results
Lisenbee has posted.
He hopes that his work will result in a trip to the regional tournament. If the team can put together five good scores, the Griffons will have a shot at the national tournament.
Some tough rulings have kept him from reaching his potential. Lisenbee has found himself in some tough positions, ranging from stroke penalties to playing a shot off a bridge.
The Griffons have had trouble beating a tough Washburn team this year. They need Lisenbee to step up and knock off one of Washburn’s top players.
“We really need Aaron to step up and knock off one of Washburn’s top two players,” said Perry. “I think he can win a tournament before the year is over.”
His teammate, junior Craig Lytle, has a pink putter grip that he believes gives him luck. That is something that Lisenbee doesn’t buy into.
“I’m not really superstitious,” said Lisenbee. “I don’t believe in that kind of stuff.”
He would prefer to stick to what transformed him from a good player to great one, hard work.
Filed under: Men's Golf |