Otten Making The Most Of Her Opportunities

BOULDER - Elle Otten, a sophomore from Palm Desert, Calif., is making the most of her opportunities on the course this year as a member of the University of Colorado women's golf team.

As a freshman Otten wasn't given many chances to play, but now in her sophomore season, she has already played twice as many rounds and is making an impact for the team. Colorado Head Coach Anne Kelly describes her as a talented, hard working, fierce competitor who's improved in all areas of her game.

Otten joined the team as a walk-on in the fall of 2017. "We didn't know a lot about her except that she was a very smart kid, she was a hard worker, and had a great personality," Kelly said. However, Otten wasn't given many opportunities to compete in her first semester, instead she used this time to work on her short game and get better overall.

"Elle is great, because she listens to the instruction that (assistant coach) Brent (Franklin) has been giving to her, and it has really paid off," said Kelly.

Otten received her first opportunity to play in the spring of her freshman season, at the Meadow Club Women's Collegiate tournament, where she shot a 78 and 79, totaling a score of 13-over (157), which helped the team finish fourth in the tournament.

She would go on to finish her freshman season playing a total of nine rounds, including a season best round where she shot even par (72) at the PING/ASU Invitational. "My freshman season was a great learning opportunity for me, I was able to see what's needed from me on the course in order to take on a bigger role with the team," said Otten.

A big takeaway from her freshman season was working on the mental aspect of her game. "I had always been a great ball striker, and I thought I could play off that, but I didn't realize how tough you have to be mentally," said Otten. "Improving my mental game is tough, because it can't be done on a driving range or putting green."

Mental toughness can make all the difference in shooting even par, or ten over, and that's why Otten has made it a big part of her training this year. Now having played 24 rounds in her sophomore season with her best rounds coming at the Betsy Rawls Invitational, and the Tar Heel Classic where she shot a 1-over 73 both times. Otten has shot in the 70s in 16 of her 24 rounds this year, and has proven that she has the determination and work ethic to improve all aspects of her game.

Otten's goal for the future is to continue to improve in all areas of her game, and continue to play a bigger role for the team. As the Buffs' season comes to a close with only one tournament left before the Pac-12 Championships, she plans to finish the season strong and prepare to make an even bigger jump for her junior season.

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