Published: May 13, 2008 12:56 pm            

Bullard heading to East Central

Marlow golfer ready to hit the course as a Lady Tiger

MARLOW — Tess Bullard will take her golf game to East Central University after signing her letter of intent Monday at Marlow High School.

Bullard will also participate on the pom squad, which she also did as a Lady Outlaw golfer.

“I guess I’ll find out how tough it is once I get up there,” Bullard said of juggling golf, pom and school work. “If it gets to be too much, golf will always come before pom.”

While on a recent trip to Ada for pom tryouts, Bullard met with East Central head golf coach Danny Key. Once the meeting was over, Bullard had a scholarship offer to play for the Lady Tigers.

“It was pretty exciting because I didn’t expect it at all,” Bullard said. “I really worked hard this season on improving the mental aspects of my game, so it’s good to see that pay off.”

Bullard averaged an 88 on the season and finished 12th at the state golf tournament at Cimarron Trials.

“After our first tournament, I was pretty upset, and that was nothing new,” Bullard said. “But this year, it was a turning point for me. I used it to help me get better instead of holding me back. So much of the game is mental, and if you can’t get that under control, you will struggle.”

After shooting in the high 80s during her senior season, Bullard said she is aiming to lower her score to the mid 70s.

“After the progress I made this season, I think I can do that,” Bullard said. “I’ll have to work on my short game because that can always use work. But, the biggest thing is continuing to improve mentally.”

Current East Central and former Pauls Valley golfer Maygan Ballard will be a familiar face once Bullard gets to campus.

“That will help a lot,” Bullard said. “We’ve played together before, so it will be fun.”

East Central’s golf program is in its second year of existence and Bullard is ready for the opportunity to help build the Lady Tigers’ program.

“I won’t have any expectations to live up to once I get there, so there won’t be as much pressure,” Bullard said. “It’s a new program, so I get the chance to help the lay a foundation. I’m excited.”

        

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