The Scoop:
Emilie Oakes of Syracuse, N.Y., is a freshman on the women’s golf team. This young local has already created some buzz after just a month of play. Oakes began her collegiate career leading the women’s golf team to a record season opening performance at the Michael Corbett Fall Classic hosted by Gannon University.
She followed up her premier performance last week at the William Smith Invitational, where she finished first out of 41 contenders. She helped lead the Dolphins to an impressive first place finish over five other teams that were competing. At the conclusion of the two rounds of play Oakes finished with an impressive program high of 179, earning medalist honors. Oakes became the first ever Dolphin to claim medalist honors at a two-day competition in the program’s history.
After the first day of play for the weekend Oakes sat in a tie for fifth place after tallying eight pars and a stroke total of 95. The second day is where she really shined. Oakes shot two birdies and five pars resulting in a program record of 84, capturing the first place finish.
How she got started:
“I started playing golf when I was around seven or eight, my dad taught my brother and me how to play at a local par three course. I didn’t really get serious until I joined the team at CBA as a seventh grader.”
Major and future plans:
Oakes is a biology major. She hopes to go into research after she receives an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree.
Goals for her career at LeMoyne both team and individual:
“Before I leave Le Moyne I would love to see our team best to get much lower, in the seventies for an individual and a team score of 360 or better. Personally my goal is to make it to the NCAA tournament and to break eighty.”
Advice to future players:
“Get out on the course and play, whether it is by yourself or with friends or family. I know I’ve worked out a lot of issues with my game just going out by myself and playing 18. Also, don’t forget to work on your short game, those little chips count just as much as your drive and above all don’t forget to have fun.”
