Lady'Back Linksters add Van As at semester

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas golf coach Kelley Hester announced the addition of South African golfer Tanica van As who will join the Lady Razorbacks in January. Van As comes to Arkansas with a resume full of international experience and honors captured at several courses including her home courses of Wedgwood Golf Club and the Port Elizabeth Golf Club. Some of van As accomplishments include representing the Eastern Province ladies since 1998 at the age of 12. In addition she became the first girl to be a member of a team in a traditionally boys tournament that same year. Van As’ international experience includes the Jack Newton International Junior Classic in Australia, the Test against the Netherlands in George, South Africa, and the World Junior Golf Championships in Jamaica, Mexico and California. She also competed at the Mexican Ladies Strokeplay, the Junior British Open, the Esperito Santo World Team Championships, SAAB International and the Commonwealth Games. "Tanica will bring an international flair to our all domestic roster," said Hester. "She’s posted some very impressive numbers internationally and has represented South Africa on the World Amateur team and the Spirit Team which are both very big honors. I think she could come in here and fight for a lineup spot from the first event." The youngest of two children to Hennie and Renette van As, she has one older sister, Luschka. Van As’ father is a law professor at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The Lady Razorback golf team begins their 2005-06 season Sept. 23-25 at the Mason Rudolph Championship hosted by Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Arkansas hosts its lone home event, the Tyson/Embassy Suites Invitational, Oct. 16-18, at Pinnacle Country Club. For more information about Arkansas golf log on to LADYBACKS.COM