Anna Nordqvist wasted no time making an impression for the ASU women's golf team.
At the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational Sept. 11-12 in Albuquerque, N.M., the freshman played her first three rounds at par or better (73-73-69), to finish 4-under par.
"The play of Anna was just outstanding," ASU coach Melissa Luellen said.
The Swedish import of the No. 2-ranked Sun Devils made an impressive debut, finishing one stroke away from capturing her first individual collegiate tournament.
"I didn't know I was so close," Nordqvist said.
The freshman said her stellar play was a result of her overall consistency.
"Hitting fairways and hitting greens is my game," Nordqvist said. "I don't make any big mistakes."
Nordqvist learned those basic fundamentals growing up in Sweden. Her interest in golf all started at the age of 13 because her family played the game.
By the age of 16, Nordqvist developed into a talented golfer and was playing in tournaments all over Europe, gaining valuable experience.
She also learned a lot from playing in various kinds of weather, which helped her during the windy conditions of the final round of her first collegiate tournament.
With all of the international exposure at a young age, Nordqvist was primed and ready to be a member of the Swedish national golf team for the past two years.
When it came down to choosing a college, Anna felt ASU was the right choice for her.
"It's [ASU] a great golf program, great facilities, awesome weather and great coaches," Nordqvist said.
Despite out-playing her teammates to lead the Sun Devils individually in New Mexico, Nordqvist reiterated how well the team played overall.
"It's a good start to the year and I'm excited for the team," she said. "We have good players here."
With her team playing with momentum coming off the tournament victory, Nordqvist said it will be important for ASU to play well again this weekend.
"I'm excited, we can see how we compare against the better teams in the country," she added.
The Sun Devils will have a firsthand opportunity to knock-off top ranked Duke at the Fall Preview tournament Friday through Sunday in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Reach the reporter at Edward.Price@asu.edu.
