Girls golf: Oliver signs with Lubbock Christian

CARLSBAD – Carlsbad girls golf senior Peyton Oliver admits it’s sometimes been tough to play calm after a bad shot on the greens.

Oliver said she’s worked on playing “under control” and wants to keep improving in that area after signing her National Letter of Intent Tuesday to play golf at NCAA Division II Lubbock Christian University.

Oliver, 17, said she committed to the Chaparrals on an athletic scholarship after going to a team camp over the summer because their women’s golf program focuses on the mental game.

“(Coach John Dansby) keeps the girls focused on what they need to be doing,” Oliver said. “My mental game is something I’ve always had trouble with.”

Already strong in her 100-yard shots, Oliver said she gets “mad and frustrated” whenever bad shots come up.

“Most of the time, you play 18 holes, you get tired. Keeping your confidence up really helps, especially the last few holes when you just feel really down and tired,” Oliver said.

Oliver also said such frustrations enter the picture when she attempts longer putts.

She said she’s worked on deciding how much force she uses while putting.

Oliver said she’s confident she will get better in that particular area of her game because the Lubbock Christian camp focused a lot on putting – which ties into the mental game.

Oliver said she will major in physical therapy, though she’s still undecided what type of job she wants to pursue within that field.

Lubbock Christian’s golf season takes place in both the fall and spring seasons.

Already acquainted with a few of the current Lady Chap golfers, Oliver also said it helps she will be close enough to Carlsbad to come home for the weekends.

“I really liked the atmosphere and the people there,” Oliver said. “I figured it was the best place to go.”

Current-Argus Sports Editor Matt Hollinshead may be reached at 575-628-5518.