Local Sports

Moffat signs with the Warriors

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Mark Pinson | Highlands Today
Published: December 6, 2012

AVON PARK - Growing up in a golfing family proved to be an advantage for Avon Park's Lindsey Moffat.

Moffat grew up playing golf and her passion, dedication and hard work paid off in a big way as the Red Devil senior signed to play golf at Webber International University next fall on Tuesday.

"It means a lot to be able to play golf in college," Moffat said. "It's the next step to eventually play on the LPGA Tour.

Moffat, who played varsity golf for four years for Avon Park, averaged 44 for nine holes her senior season. The talented Red Devil linkster looked at other schools, but the Warriors have everything she was looking for.

"I looked at Johnson & Wales and Florida Gulf Coast," Moffat said. "But Webber had everything I was looking for and I'll get the chance to contribute as a freshman."

Moffat credits Avon Park girls golf coach Suzie Gentry with the development of her game.

"I learned to not get down and to just keep going," the Red Devil athlete said. "You can't let the last shot bother you; it's the next shot that matters."

Moffat was recruited by Webber International University girls golf coach Nancy Nichols, who had the opportunity to watch her improve her game over the summers on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour.

"I'm excited to have Lindsey coming to Webber University," Nichols said. "We've got Savana Fisher from Sebring on the girls team and Avon Park's Greg Gentry is on the boys team. We've got a nice pipeline going here and we're excited about that.

"I watched Lindsey and her sister Paige play on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour and saw them improve. She is very steady and has excellent demeanor on the course which is very important."

Being able to play as a freshman is a real possibility for Moffat.

"We lose two seniors this year and Lindsey will have a good opportunity to play her first year," Nichols said. "I'm thrilled to be able to recruit another local player and continue to build our women's golf program.

"Savana made it into the top five this year and I think Lindsey is going to come in and have a positive impact for us."

Moffat's father, Colin has been a professional golfer for many years and his guidance has proven invaluable.

"We're happy with Lindsey's decision to go to Webber University," Colin Moffat said. "We'll get the chance to see her play a lot and her sister Paige who plays for Johnson & Wales."

"We'll miss Lindsey, but it's time for her to spread her wings and see what she can do," said mother, Cheryl Moffat. "She knows what she wants, she has set goals and I think she'll be happy at Webber."

Seeing Moffat take the next step in her golfing career is very rewarding for Gentry.

"I'm so proud of Lindsey," Gentry said. "It's so rewarding watching her grow not only in her golfing ability, but also as a lovely young lady. To see her go on to the next level is awesome and I'm so excited because this was my first signing since I became the girls golf coach.

"I'll be able to see Lindsey, Paige and Greg at the same time for some tournaments and that's something I'm looking forward to."

Playing college golf and leaving home and growing up is something that Lindsey is ready for.

"I'm going to work on getting stronger so I can hit the ball farther," Moffat said. "I'll live in a dorm my freshman year and I'm only 30 minutes away from home.

"I can't wait to play college golf and it will be great to have my family watch me play and to have their support as I take the next step in life."

mpinson@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5837