Getting to Know... Greg Werner

2/11/2013 12:06:00 PM

Minnesota State golfer Greg Werner is just one of two seniors on the team heading into the 2013 spring season. The Farmington, Minn., native has been named NSIC Golfer of the week twice throughout his career as a Maverick. The last time coming in the fall of 2012 after his performance at the Missouri Western Region Invitational Tournament leading all individuals in the tournament with rounds of 71, 72, and 72. Werner led the team this fall playing 11 rounds and five tournaments with a 74.0 stroke average. His average paced the golf team to a seventh place spot at the MWRT.

“Greg has been a guy that the team could always count on to post a score which the team will use.” said head coach Geoff Klein on Werner. Klein also commented on watching Werner at the Minnesota High School State Tournament and how he would develop into a college athlete saying, “When I watched him at the state high school tournament after I became the coach, I could tell he had a lot of potential. He had only taken up the game when he was about 15, so I knew once he learned to better manage the course and his emotions, he would be a top player at our level.” When asked about Werner’s leadership, the coach responded, “He’s a golf junkie so he’s always practicing and working on his game. When your best player is also your hardest worker, that is a great example for the rest of the team.”

How did you end up deciding to become a Maverick?
"While playing golf for Farmington, I was recruited by Mike Zinni and MSU was close to home so I could drive back and work with my teaching professional. That’s why I ultimately chose to become a Maverick."

What is your favorite part about being a golfer?
"Traveling to different courses all over, and competing against the best."

Being one of two seniors on the team, how do you plan on leading the team this spring?
"I put a ton of time in on my game over the break so hopefully I can help the team out with lower scores this spring season to make a run at our 5^th straight conference title."

Do you have any superstitions before heading into a match?
"I am not a superstitious person but I do have the same practice routine before each round to get myself in the zone."

Who or what made you want to start golfing?
"When I was 15 I picked up a club for the first time and went to the range with my dad and ever since then I have had a passion to play golf. "

Who is your favorite professional golfer?
"Tiger Woods is my favorite person to watch compete but I like Adam Scotts swing the best."

What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment here at Minnesota State?
My biggest accomplishment individually would have to be my 2^nd place finish in our regional crossover tournament this past fall, as a team it has to be the 3 straight conference titles I have been a part of.

"How do you spend your time in the offseason?
In the offseason when I am at school I drive back to Minnetonka 2-3 times a week to work with my swing coach, then I also hit in the gym and workout with the team three times a week."

What would you say is the best facet of your game?
"My ball striking has to be the best facet of my game."

What club do you think you hit best?
"I would have to say my PW is the best club in my bag because that is the club I have my only hole-in-one with."

Do you plan on continuing your career after you graduate? If not what are your plans for the future?
"After my final semester of golf here at MSU I plan on moving down south and continuing to play golf and take it as far as I can."

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