Laura Jones has become an integral part of the Oklahoma City University’s women’s golf program’s success through two seasons.
As a freshman, Jones made an immediate impact, tying for ninth place in the NAIA championships and being named all-American.
Jones, a sophomore from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, England, shot a 72-69—141 to win the SAC championship title at Lincoln Park Golf Course, the Stars’ home course.
“Knowing the course is a huge advantage,” said Jones. “There are a few holes at Lincoln that I knew I had to take advantage of with my distance. On the par-4 and par-5 holes I knew I would be able to set myself up for birdies, which helped me in the tournament.
“It is always nice to get another win. I am definitely happy that I won, but I was more proud of myself for the golf that I played. I went into the tournament wanting to beat the course and to keep up my mental toughness.”
As the women’s golf season nears the end, Jones has elevated her golf game entering into the NAIA Championships.
“I didn’t start off the season the way that I had hoped,” Jones said. “I have reached a new level of my mental game. Just recently I have been able to get over the barrier of knowing that I can make birdies after a bogey. I have been working on trying to remain positive and keeping a level head.”
Jones has been in the process of adjusting to life away from home, as well as a new style of golf.
“The first year I was here it was difficult for me to adjust to the culture,” said Jones. “When I started playing golf I knew that I wanted to come to America to play, and I feel like if I can play here, then I can play anywhere.”
OCU’s soccer coach, Brian Harvey, played a part in Jones’ recruitment since he is from England as well.
“Coach Harvey spoke to my mom and dad about OCU which led me here,” Jones said. “I got very lucky with my placement here at OCU with a great team, coach and support system. Coach M.J. Desbiens knows what it is like for me because she came here when she was 18 from Canada, and Coach Harvey is great in making sure that everything is going well with me.”
As a freshman Jones was green to the magnitude of the national tournament.
“I just knew that it was the biggest tournament that we were going to play in,” said Jones. “I was excited, but also really nervous since I was a freshman. This year we are looking forward to playing and dominating to prove to everyone that we are great golf team.”
More on Laura:
My worst fear: Spiders
Favorite saying: Everything happens for a reason
Career plans: Ladies European Tour, college coach
Reason I picked OCU: Great coach and great team record
Favorite video game: Wii Sport
