Rees gets better
FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas junior Corinna Rees continues to improve with each season with the Razorback women’s golf team.
Rees, a redshirt junior from Pebble Beach, Calif., has stepped into the Razorback lineup competing in six events this year. That number ties her career-best for events. She also took part in six events as a freshman.
“I feel like I learn and get better every week,” Rees said. “I think that I continue to improve and gain confidence every time I practice or play.”
Rees’ career began in 2006-07 when she played in six of the teams 12 events as a true freshman. Her best finish came in her first NCAA Regional appearance where she tied for 33rd overall with a 14-over 227.
Rees make the cut for two events as a sophomore playing in the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Classic and the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic.
But Rees did not compete last season, redshirting the year while working on her strength and course management.
“Shauna (Estes-Taylor), Mike (Adams) and I set up a goal sheet,” Rees said. “It included things from academics, playing, practice and workouts. Goals are a very important part of who we are as a team and it helped me focus on improving.”
She emerged as a senior making the traveling team for the first six events of the year. She currently has a career-low 77.67 stroke average and posted a career-best finish with a tie for seventh place at the Marilynn Smith Sunflower Invitational. Rees tied her career-best with a 277 at the Mercedes Benz Collegiate this year where she competed as an individual.
“I’m a completely different player this year,” Rees said. “I’m still the same in my head and in my approach to the game — I have a similar outlook. But I’ve gained strength with my wedges and irons are a lot sharper. I hit the ball a lot further and I’ve worked a lot on feel. I’m also a better bunker player. I have more golf shots in my bag and I understand my limitations and where I can excel.”
Rees joins the Razorbacks this week as the team travels to the Tiger/Wave Invitational March 12-14, in New Orleans, La. The Razorbacks have two other regular season events prior to the SEC Championships.
Rees, a double major in political science and criminal justice, returns to Arkansas next year for her senior season. Injuries have slowed her progress at times and some of those will likely be addressed in the off-season — something she is looking forward to.
When asked about her plans after college she said, “it depends on how my body holds up.”
“I would love to play golf,” Rees continued. “It’s my ultimate dream but if that doesn’t work out, I’ll likely head to law school. I really like policy-making and the court system.”
