by Will Stafford
LSU Sports Information
Brent and Rebecca Struthers share a unique relationship.
Both were all-state performers on the golf team at University High School in Baton Rouge, both led their teams to the Class 2A state championship, and both were heavily recruited players before deciding to continue their golfing careers at LSU.
Despite their individual success on the golf course, neither said that a competitive rivalry exists with their sibling.
“I would definitely say that Brent and I are both competitive, but I would not say that we have a rivalry towards one another,” said Rebecca, a redshirt sophomore on the women’s golf team. “We both pull for each other very hard and want each other to succeed at the highest level possible.”
Brent, who is a freshman on the men’s team, agreed with his sister’s statement.
“We really don’t have a big rivalry,” he said. “We both have a very good relationship with one another, and we both want each other to do our best and perform at our best.”
Much of the success the two share can be attributed to the love and support they receive from their parents, Craig and Lorrie Struthers, who met while playing golf at Oklahoma State University.
“Some parents in this sport get really involved and mad if their child does not do well,” said Rebecca. “But my parents always support me 100 percent with everything I do, and they are just happy that both Brent and I love the game as much as they do.”
It’s reasonable to think that having parents who played on the collegiate level and being a cousin of Curt and Tom Byrum, who have had success on the PGA Tour, could cause the Struthers to feel pressure to succeed in the same way. However, that is not the case.
“I feel no pressure at all,” said Brent. “I was never forced or ever felt like it has been necessary to play golf, but filling in their shoes would be pretty nice.”
Their father, Craig, has been instrumental in Brent and Rebecca’s development as players. He is the head golf pro at Baton Rouge Country Club and has been their mentor since childhood.
“He has been my teacher and coach throughout my career,” said Brent. “I don’t trust many people with my golf game, but my dad is one of them.”
Brent played in his first tournament as a Tiger earlier this fall at the Mason Rudolph Intercollegiate in Franklin, Tenn. Although it was his first career tournament, he felt that he was prepared for what he would experience.
“I thought that I would be a little nervous going into my first tournament, but coach (Greg) Jones is great and really helped me to be prepared. It didn’t feel like I have been doing it for four years, but I got comfortable pretty quick.”
Although he finished in a tie for 47th with a 7-over 220 in three rounds, Brent believes the experience will help him mature as a player as the season progresses.
“I now know what it takes to win. I need to just work on tightening everything up, from how I carry myself on the golf course all the way to putting.”
Rebecca said that she was proud of what her brother was able to accomplish.
“I was so proud and excited for Brent. He works hard, and I knew sooner than later he was going to make the team. I was very proud of his performance.”
When talking about Brent’s performance, Rebecca recalled what it was like for her in her first tournament on the collegiate level.
“My first tournament was in my freshman year at Furman’s tournament (Lady Paladin Invitational). I was so excited but also extremely nervous on the first tee. (Coach) Karen (Bahnsen) really helped me and was standing with me as I teed off. I hit a good drive down the middle, so everything was great.”
Rebecca redshirted last year after playing in three tournaments as a true freshman, finishing the 2002-2003 season with an 82.22 stroke average in nine rounds. She feels that the time off was beneficial.
“Last year, I really worked hard on my golf course management and learning how to score lower even when my swing was not at its greatest. This season, I want to lower my scoring average and participate in every tournament for our team.”
Although both acknowledge they must work to become the player they want to be, each believes that LSU is the perfect place for them to achieve their goals.
“I did look around at some different colleges, including Oklahoma State, Ole Miss and Colorado,” said Rebecca. “However, Karen and the team’s closeness are what led me to LSU. I loved the facilities and everything about it. I really wanted to become a Tiger.”
Brent agreed.
“I have always wanted to be a Tiger since I was young. I started to think about taking a look at the University of Texas and a few other schools, but I always knew that LSU was the place for me.”