Haley Hewer has gone from red shirt to the best golfer on the Northern Michigan University Wildcats.
Hewer, a Pen High grad, is in her freshman season in the second-year women’s program. Hewer had to wait a season to play because of National Collegiate Athletic Association transfer rules.
“We wanted to give her a year to get acclimated and ready for competitive play,” said Bastian. “Even when Haley knew she wasn’t competing during her first year, she still worked extremely diligent on her golf game. In her first tournament, the Wildcat Invitational (Sept. 11), Haley won the event shooting a two-day total of nine-over par.”
Robert Bastian, interim head coach of the Wildcats, said the decision for Hewer to not play the first season was clear knowing what she could do on the course.
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At the Perry Park Spring Fling March 25 to 26, the Wildcats placed fifth out of 18 teams. Hewer tied for 24th with a three round score of 237 (80-77-80). At the NC4K College Classic in Blacklick, Ohio, April 2 to 3, the Wildcats placed fourth among 18 teams. In that tournament, Hewer tied for 33rd among more than 90 players shooting 163.
“Haley is exactly what NMU golf is all about. She is a very hard-working young lady, a great teammate, and a joy to coach,” said Bastian. “We are so happy she is a part of our program and without a doubt NMU golf would not be where it is today without Haley. She has a very bright future.”
The next event for the Wildcats is the Cav Classic, their final invitational before the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship, April 21 to 23.
Hewer is studying health and fitness management at NMU.