To say that LSU senior golfer Sang Yi had big shoes to fill after the conclusion of last season would be a understatement.
With the departure of 2011 national champion John Peterson and All-American Andrew Loupe, the Tigers looked to Yi as a team leader this season.
Yi, one of two seniors on the squad, wrapped up the fall portion of his 2011-2012 campaign with three top-20 individual finishes in four tournaments. He ranked among the top 10 in two of those four.
Now, Yi and the rest of the Tigers face a four-month break until the season resumes in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., when they compete in the John Hayt Invitational on Feb. 26.
Yi said the offseason and cold winter weather that comes with the break won’t be a deterrent to his practicing.
“When I go home to Dallas, I’ll be going hard,” Yi said. “I’ll find a way to practice whether it’s cold or not.”
Yi’s fall successes have translated into a stronger confidence in his game, but there still remains a lot of work to be done, he said.
Yi showed some flaws at the Isleworth Collegiate Invitational in Windermere, Fla., which ran from Oct. 23 to 25. The tournament marked the worst of Yi’s fall performances and his only finish outside the top 20.
He posted 10 bogeys and two double bogeys to put him out of the top 20 with a 7-over-par 223.
Despite late-season struggles, Yi said he remains confident in his ability and is optimistic for the spring.
As for taking over the leadership roles on the team left behind by Peterson and Loupe, Yi said the challenge inspires rather than intimidates him.
“They had great careers, and that gives me something to strive for,” Yi said. “I feel like them being able to accomplish so much makes it easier for me to say it’s attainable, as long as I put in the work.”
Peterson said he’s confident in Yi and expects his efforts to translate into victories.
“He’s an extremely hard worker both on the course and off,” Peterson said. “Sang is a great senior leader for the other guys.”
LSU coach Chuck Winstead said consistency in the spring will be necessary for Yi to continue his success.
“Sang’s had a very good year,” Winstead said. “If he keeps doing what he’s been doing, there’s going to be post season awards for him.”
Through all the challenges faced and victories attained, Yi said he has remained focused on one thing throughout his tenure as a Tiger.
“Winning is always nice, but my one goal is to get better every single day,” Yi said. “If I do that, then at the end of the day, I’ll be fine.”
 
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Contact Morgan Wampold at [email protected]