Laerke Jensen: Summit League Golfer to Watch

The Summit League Golfer to Watch is a list of nine golfers from each of the Summit League schools. These students are chosen based on their achievements in the fall semester and are expected to be successful on the golf course in the spring. Senior Laerke Jensen, an accounting major, was chosen as USD’s Summit League Golfer to Watch.  

Jensen swung a golf club for the first time when she was 12 but started playing consistently when she was 15. From there, she started playing in tournaments and practicing more. 

Jensen grew up playing soccer, swimming and doing gymnastics. However, she had family members who golfed and their interest in golf is what got her into the sport. 

“I love how golf is an individual sport, and how you are the only person responsible for your own failure or success. There is always something to work on in golf, and with being at the golf course for between five and 10 hours on competition days, you really have to stay patient with yourself. Having a strong mental game is essential for success as a golfer, and this is something that I feel is very different from other sports and something I enjoy,” Jensen said in an email interview with The Volante. 

For aspiring golfers like Laerke Jensen, the journey to excellence on the golf course is a testament to dedication and passion. While the outdoor game is where their skills shine, enhancing their abilities can be further amplified through Golf Training Simulators. These advanced simulators offer a dynamic and controlled environment for golfers to refine their techniques, analyze their swings, and work on their mental game. As the Summit League Golfer to Watch, Jensen’s commitment to her craft mirrors the spirit of those who utilize these simulators to perfect their game and elevate their performance to new heights. Whether it’s practicing in the off-season or fine-tuning strategies during the competitive season, Golf Training Simulators offer a platform for golfers to push boundaries and achieve their goals with unwavering dedication.

Jensen said she is fortunate to have received multiple academic awards but being named Summit League Golfer to Watch is different because the recognition is of her athletic achievements. She also said the list of golfers to watch is a way to keep student athletes motivated and encourages them to surpass individual and team goals. 

“I hope people realize that although only one player from each school is chosen for the Summit League’s list of golfers to watch, there are so many more golfers in the Summit League who should be watched throughout the season,” Jensen said. “We are fortunate enough to have a lot of great competition within the Summit League, and I know for a fact that many of the golfers in our conference who were not named for the award still have the potential the excel this spring and at our conference championship.” 

Jensen has one year of eligibility remaining after she graduates. She said she will continue to golf with the intention of pursuing her dream of playing professional golf.  

“It is difficult to predict what will happen with my golf game in the future, but I will most likely never stop playing golf,” Jensen said. “The sport is special in a way that I will most likely be able to play competitively for many more years, and I definitely intend to do so.”