March 12, 2013

STANFORD, Calif. - Mariko Tumangan led the Stanford women's golf team to their second consecutive win this season during the Cal Classic tournament at the Ruby Hill Golf Club on Feb. 25-26. The sophomore (76-68) tied for second at 144 while the Cardinal (298-288) took the title by six strokes.

GoStanford.com: You opened the Cal Classic tournament with a four-over-par 76 and went eight strokes better the next day with a career-best finish 68 to tie for second. Talk about what was working in your game.

Tumangan: I was playing pretty well the first day but getting some tough breaks. For example, if I hit the shot into the bunker it would end up plugged or on the lip of the bunker. Then I'd have to suck it up and get the shot out. Also, a lot of my putts weren't dropping during the first round. Overall, though, I had good confident strikes on all of my shots. Even though I wasn't too happy with the score on the first day, I needed to be patient. I continued to follow my routine and trust my shots. Definitely more putts fell the second day. 

GoStanford.com: What did the Cal Classic teach you about yourself as a golfer?

Tumangan: The difference with this tournament in my attitude was that although my score was not so good the first day, it did not put me down. I know how good my game is and I trusted that. It taught me that patience is crucial. Through this tournament and in the future, I will continue to work on "playing the game."

GoStanford.com: Tell us about your personal goals this season.

Tumangan: This season I will go into tournaments to test my own skills and beat the course. I look forward to my first win.  

GoStanford.com: Talk about your academic plans at Stanford.

Tumangan: I plan to take psychology as my major. I also want to get involved in some kind of broadcasting. 

GoStanford.com: How do you juggle academics, golf and everything else?

Tumangan: It's definitely a balancing act every day. I have done it throughout my life, so I think I have gotten pretty good at managing my time. I allocate time each day for things I have to get done. When I'm doing each thing, whether its school, golf, or spending time with my friends, I give 110 percent to each individual thing. I also try my best not to get really stressed, but when I do I hang out with my friends as an outlet.

GoStanford.com: Where do you draw inspiration from and can you share some inspirational advice for future Cardinal golfers?

Tumangan: I draw inspiration from my parents and coaches. I feel like I have surrounded myself with a supportive and positive team. I would say to enjoy each step, and grind your teeth through the difficult times. Make sure to have fun and keep it simple.

GoStanford.com: What is your favorite golf course and why?

Tumangan: My favorite courses are in San Francisco and in Monterey. I really like Monterey Peninsula, Lake Merced, and Cypress Point. They are the most beautiful courses I have ever been too. I love the beach!

GoStanford.com: If you could caddy for any golfer across time, who would it be and why?

Tumangan: Tiger Woods, for sure. But he would have to give me a play-by-play with what he's thinking through the entire round!

- By Estela-Marie Go, Stanford Athletics

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