Off the Tee with Rachel Raastad
2/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Feb. 19, 2009
FORT WORTH, Texas--Rachel Raastad is in her freshman season with the Horned Frogs.
An import from Asker, Norway, her second-round 67 tied Valentine Derrey's TCU record for an 18-hole score. Raastad finished fourth at the Ron Moore Intercollegiate, snagging TCU Female Athlete of the Week for her performance.
Below is an inside look at Raastad:
Do you have any relatives that competed in sports at an elite level?
My grandfather took silver in the discus at the Norwegian Championships. My mother was on the Norwegian National Equestrian Team as well.
When did you start playing golf? Why?
I started in 1998, when I was 9-years-old because my dad wanted to take up the sport. After a couple of shots I thought it was fun and wanted to continue playing.
What is your favorite golf memory?
My first year playing the Norwegian Junior Championship, I hit a shot from a water hazard with a wedge from about 40 yards, down-hill with a lot of people around. It went in for the best par I've ever had in my life. That shot showed me I could do anything as long as I believed in it.
If you could play any course what would it be?
A course that I design, but for now Trump International Golf Club located in West Palm Beach, Fla.
What do you do to prepare before each round?
I hit some golf balls as a warm-up so I get the swing-rhythm in my body.
What is something most people don't know about you?
Every time I get new golf clubs, I need to have them in my bed while I'm sleeping so we can become "friends." I then know that I can trust my equipment 100 %. They will never let me down...
Who would you like in your foursome for a scramble?
Annika Sorenstam, "Big Easy" Ernie Els, the passionate coach Angie Ravaioli-Larkin and myself.
What is the best advice you ever received?
When you stumble and fall, in any life situation, you have two options: Either stay down and let go, or get up, try again and keep going.
Why did you choose TCU?
I liked the coaches, the golf program and the practice facilities.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is to not experience success.
How would your teammates describe you?
I would go with creative, sensitive and a bit weird.
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