Tiger of the Week: Larisa Luloff
Hometown: Cary, Illinois
Sport: Golf
Grade: Junior
Major: History
“Though a team captain, Larisa is a quiet leader. At practice, she shows a tremendous, patient work ethic. Of course, she has strong organizational skills as she balances academics, Honors Fellows, work study and sorority responsibilities without ever missing a golf practice or tournament,” said Vince Lazar, head women’s golf coach.
A 2017 all-conference and all-American selection, Larisa Luloff has proven to be an asset to the women’s golf program, again. Recently, Luloff competed at the Jekyll Island Women’s Collegiate tournament in Georgia and paced the team to a third place finish after three rounds. Luloff shot a 76, 75 and 78 for an overall total of 229.
The DePauw (TDP): How did you get involved with golf?
Larisa Luloff (LL): I got involved with golf at a very young age. Both my parents and grandparents played, so it was a family affair. I began taking private lessons in seventh grade because I knew I wanted to play in high school and maybe college.
TDP: What is your favorite part about being on the golf team at DePauw?
LL: I love how close our team is. I really think we have a unique bond. We are not separated by class or major or Greek chapter. We love the long drives blasting music, the inside jokes, and supporting each other in the game. In a sport that is so individual during a round, I think it is even more important that we are close off the course as well.
TDP: Where have you seen the most improvement in your game?
LL: I personally have seen my short game improve a lot. We just played a three day tournament in Georgia this weekend and I made a lot of clutch putts and chips that saved my rounds. We put a lot of hard work into short game at practices and during the winter, and I am finally beginning to see it pay off.
TDP: What part of your game have you been particularly focusing on this year?
LL: My short game has been the weakest part of my game for a while, so it has been a focus of mine for a long time, especially my putting. I have really been working on my distance control because a lot of the courses we play have very fast greens.
TDP: What has been your favorite course to play on?
LL: I loved all the courses we played on during spring break my freshman year. We flew out to Arizona to play some private clubs out there that were gorgeous. I am usually not a fan of desert style courses, but these were beautiful and also involved a completely different style of golf.
TDP: Is there a dream course you want to play on
LL: I have been lucky enough to play on some great golf courses, but playing on the Old Course at St. Andrews would probably be my dream. We are traveling to Scotland next fall, so I may get the chance to then.
Luloff and the women’s golf team will tee off next during Spring Break as they travel to Pinehurst, North Carolina.