Missouri's Potter 2-over in first round of NCAA women's golf regional

Missouri women's golfer Julia Potter said she felt good about her first round of the NCAA East Regional after shooting 2-over at University of Florida’s Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville, Fla.

Heading into the tournament, Potter, a junior, was concerned about playing on Bermuda grass, which she rarely plays on. But, she said it was no problem and didn’t affect her game.

Missouri coach Stephanie Priesmeyer agreed and even said she was impressed by Potter’s play.

“She looked really good. She was hitting it as well as she’s hit all year,” Priesmeyer said. “I think going into the next two days she’s got to be confident.”

Potter said one of the disadvantages of playing individually at a tournament is that it’s hard to gauge where you stand after one round.

“The problem is when you play the individual you don’t know where you’re going to fall in until the last day,” she said.

But, playing individually has its advantages too.

Priesmeyer and assistant coach Mindy Bullard traveled with Potter, and instead of coaching an entire team, both of them are only focused on her.

Priesmeyer said Bullard walked the entire course with Potter, while Priesmeyer would go ahead on each hole and send text messages to Bullard about the layout. Bullard could then relay the information to Potter, so she wouldn’t have any surprises.

While Potter was striking the ball well today, she said she needs to make some improvements in order to shoot lower. Priesmeyer agreed.

“All she needs to do is drop some putts,” Priesmeyer said.

Potter tees off for her second round on Friday, looking to continue her solid play and shoot a lower score.

“If I just keep continuing to play well, maybe post a low number in the next couple days, I think I have a good chance making it (to nationals),” she said.