By Sara McGinnis
LSU Sports Information
Many take for granted the opportunity to be at such a prestigious college as LSU. However, Nicola and Melissa Eaton know precisely what an honor it is and they bask in that honor everyday as they continue to make a name for themselves on the LSU Women’s golf team.
The twins come to us all the way from Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. Born on January 15, 1985 to Terrence and Colleen Eaton they participated in many sports including swimming, tennis, and hockey as well as golf. There mother to introduced them to golf at age 12.
“We found it fun one day and then just kind of got hooked on it. Our mom is a really good golfer. She got us into it and put the thought into our minds that we could come to the states to play golf and we realized that would be an awesome opportunity,” said Melissa.
Coming out of Port Shepstone High School Melissa and Nicola have received many honors. Melissa ranks tenth in the South African Ladies Order of Merit and was also Sportswoman of the Year for Port Shepstone Country Club in 2001. She has represented the Kwazula Natal Ladies team from 2000-3. In 2002 not only did she tie her sister at Royal Durban junior championships with a score of 147, she also won 72-hole team champs and South African Interprovincial. In 2001, Melissa represented the South African Golf Foundation and placed sixth in the Junior Dutch International event.
Nicola has also received numerous recognitions. She placed eighteenth in the South Africa Ladies Order of Merit and third in Kwazula Ladies Amateur. In her first start and her debut she helped the tigers to a victory in the Central District Tournament.
Each of them is very proud of all their achievements, but they do have their favorites.
“Making the All-SEC first team my sophomore year was definitely a highlight. And last year I was the Louisiana player of the year. It is very prestigious to be asked to be in the Ernie Els Foundation and we were two of the only four girls out of all South Africa. You have to earn your place to get in. That was a huge deal that we got in,” said Melissa.
Nicola also shares her moments.
“Probably my best finish was over the summer. I enjoy the feeling of being recognized. I love just being at LSU and how the people know who you are. The fact that just playing golf here is a reason to be admired,” said Nicola.
These accomplishments led the girls to be invited into the Ernie Els Foundation, a non-profit organization started by an African PGA star to assist junior golfers. This played a major role in their decision to attend LSU. While trying to make their final college decision friend advised them to look into bigger state schools.
“The embassy in Africa tends to push you towards the smaller schools for an easier transition. A mutual friend knew someone on the LSU team and we found out the coach Karen Bahnsen was looking and so were we. It all worked out perfectly. We wanted to get the real experience of a big school,” said Nicola.
When asked how they managed such a huge change in way of life, they responded with smiles and gushed about how they knew they made the right decision.
“At first it was a huge culture shock, we were just beside ourselves; we couldn’t believe how everything worked and how big it was. We had each other and that made it easier.”
By the end of junior year Nicola’s best round was a 75 in the final round of the LSU/Cleveland Golf Classic and best tournament finish was a tie for 31st at Chrysler Challenge. Melissa also nabbed the seventh best single season stroke average at LSU of 75.00. She became the fifth golfer at LSU to play in all 37 possible rounds for the season.
Although they have both received many golf honors, very few things set them apart. Nicola proves to be the more outspoken while Melissa remains reserved. The most important thing is that they enjoy each other.
“We make each other laugh,” they said simultaneously.
Entering their senior year both have goals they wish to achieve before graduating in marketing fall of 2007.
“For me it would be to play in as many tournaments as possible. I haven’t quite done everything I wanted at LSU. I still want to learn more and take more trips. The experience is what it is all about,” said Nicola.
Melissa expresses her goals while focusing on her improvements.
“Over the years I have learned mentally how to become a better golfer and that has become my strong point. Both of us are driving our long games, we can hit the ball the furthest on the team and that puts us in the top few. We are working on our short game and that’s obviously where it all is. The game of golf is all in the short game and in your mind,” said Melissa.
While they both have remarkable career records, their career aspirations remain simple and confident.
“Hopefully we can stay here and turn professional. This year is especially important just being able to play teams good enough and have sponsors recognize us. We really want to stay here because of all the privileges we are offered here.”
Along with lending their amazing talent and love for golf Melissa and Nicola Eaton would like to share their gratitude towards LSU.
“The main thing that we hope everyone knows from LSU, especially our coach is that it’s a huge honor coming from a small country out of South Africa. We have really learned to appreciate what we are given here at LSU. Know what you have when you have it. When I think about what we have been given and just incomprehensible. A huge honor we will always appreciate,” said Melissa.