Published 2003-09-10T00:00:00Z”/>

Becky Regan<br>Staff Writer

Calm and cool on the fairway, Alicia Ambrosini is sometimes referred to as a “flat liner,” which means medically dead.

The nickname was created because of Ambrosini’s unemotional composure under pressure — a key asset to successful golfers.

“If you get too emotional, sometimes it can hurt your game,” Ambrosini said.

Although she is only 5 feet 4 inches tall, Ambrosini can drive the ball as far as 240 yards.

Last year, she was the only Chico State women’s golfer to rank in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II’s top freshmen. She ranked No. 22 on the NCAA list.

Ambrosini was also the only freshman golfer on her team to be invited to the Western Washington University Tournament.

This season will mark Ambrosini’s second year as a Wildcat golfer.

Ambrosini began golfing during her freshman year of high school.

Her father Greg Ambrosini, a former Chico State champion boxer, taught himself, then his daughter, how to golf.

Ambrosini feels privileged to have a father who would spend time teaching his daughter to golf.

The two played together on a small golf course in Ambrosini’s hometown of Merced.

Ambrosini was fascinated with the game, and her father inspired her to play at her high school.

Unfortunately, her high school did not have a women’s golf team, and it was not until Ambrosini’s sophomore year that one was created.

She played on her high school team for three years. During her free time, Ambrosini would find athletic activities to keep her busy.

After graduating high school, she moved to Chico to major in exercise physiology and play golf.

Women’s golf head coach Kathy Dais created Ambrosini’s team nickname and praises Ambrosini’s determination to succeed.

“She has been a good role model for everyone, as far as practice, preparation and playing,” Dais said.

Ambrosini practiced and trained hard to get back on the greens this summer after wrist surgery. The golfer tore the cartilage in her left wrist, which prevented her from playing for two weeks.

Greg Ambrosini said she has been lifting weights and running all summer to rehabilitate her wrist and improve her game.

Despite having surgery this summer, Ambrosini has improved her skills. She describes her own golfing strengths with modesty.

She’s most confident in her short game and feels it’s her strongest asset. This summer she’s also become a consistent and accurate tee driver.

Ambrosini practices on the driving range as much as twice a week. She hits the course once a week.

She practices on 18-hole fairways but doesn’t mind a 36-hole tournament. A 36-hole game tests the golfer’s mental ability, but walking to each shot gives her a calming rhythm.

Ambrosini doesn’t like to use a golf cart. Walking allows her to strategize between shots

When practices begin the team will play on Bidwell Park Golf Course, but Ambrosini will always prefer Sunriver Golf Course in Oregon, where she played her first tournament.

Ambrosini said her first tee drive at Sunriver was nerve-wracking. Since then, she has learned to conquer her nerves and play with noteworthy composure.

Ambrosini swings with a Ping driver and putter, but the rest of her clubs are Callaways. She prefers the well-balanced iron in Callaway clubs to alternative brands.

Golf may be an individual sport but Ambrosini enjoys playing with two or three teammates instead of golfing solo.

Senior teammate Arika Tobin said on first encounter, Ambrosini appears to be shy, but those acquainted with her know better. She’s a great golfer and supportive teammate.

Ambrosini appreciates the veteran player’s experience and advice. When she first began, Ambrosini looked to the older golfers for examples of how to behave in tournaments.

“My first year, I learned a lot from the older girls,” Ambrosini said. “They guided me.”<em>Becky Regan can be reached at <a href= “mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]</a></em>