Sports Union May 2019 | Page 20

20 SportsUnion | MAY 2019 shirt and shorts. In the Northeast, however, it’s more like pants, shirts and jackets. A Northeast golfer has to be used wearing extra clothes, and playing in some tough conditions. Wet and dry weather doesn’t help the ball go farther. The greens ar- en’t the most ideal con- ditions when drenched, cold, and stiff. It makes a golfer like Riso have to think a little more out on the course. Being able to change her game is something that Riso has been able to do. In the beginning it was a little tough getting used to all the clothes and the conditions. Now it’s old hat. “I’m very fortunate to be at Siena, because we have a great indoor fa- cility here. It’s definitely tough, especially going down south to play those schools who have better access to outdoors. Hit- ting off the mat indoors and turning around and hitting off the grass is just such a bizarre feel- ing - especially for the first time,” stated Riso. “Especially with wearing so many layers, I think it’s tough and restricting. But, that’s another thing that gets taken used to. If we had a tournament two weeks ago down south and then coming up here it’s definitely an adjust- ment. Playing in cool, damp weather, the ball isn’t going to go as far. It’s all about adapting. In the end it’s just golf, and if your short game is good then you will be fine.” Now her game is where she wants it to be - and just in time for her final couple of matches. This year she has an average of 73 - thats’s three strokes better than last year (76). She shot a 6 under 66 in the Dartmouth tourna- ment in the fall. With graduation loom- ing this month, Riso has already lined up a job in Virginia. She is also coming back to Buffalo and playing in the presti- gious Porter Cup in June. She is ready for the next chapter of her life. As she moves on to the “real world” golf will still be there. It might not at the level of competition that she is used to, but golf will still be there. Maybe is will be just go- ing out and practicing. Maybe she will get down there and take part in a few tournaments. Either way golf will be a part of whatever she does. It’s hard to give up a sport that Riso has been playing since she was a little girl. It’s hard to give up a sport that she has been so good at for so long. The one thing you won’t see her do is step out on the other side and coach. She tried it while work- ing that the country club in WNY. She liked teach- ing and helping out - but it isn’t for her. She rather be hitting then teaching. “I have a job lined up al- ready in Richmond, Vir- ginia,” stated Riso. “I’m registered for the Porter Cup (in Lewiston) in June. Once I get to Richmond hopefully I can find a country club to join, once I have the funds. I want to keep up my game, be- cause If I loose it I know that I will be sad. Hope- fully, I can keep my game up - eventually play in some more tournaments once I get adjusted down there.”