Getting to Know Tom Westenberger

Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Men's Golf Team continues their competitive spring season March 7-8 at the Desert Mountain Invitational trying to build off a fourth-place finish at the Big Ten Match Play Championships. Second year head coach Mark Hankins has brought in plenty of fresh faces this season with five new players seeing action in the fall season.

A junior from Wuppertal, Germany, Tom Westenberger has made a large impact on the team this season, as he played in the final three tournaments for the Huskers. Westenberger got his first start at th Prairie Club Invitational where he finished 40th. Westenberger would bounce back with a top-15 finish at the Maridoe Intercollegiate where he shot a 226 (+10) which tied him for 14th. Westenberger was one of three Huskers to finish in the top-15 in a tournament this past fall. Westenberger rounded out the fall season at the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate where he once again shot a 226 (+13) to finish 59th. Westenberger also participated in the Big Ten Match Play Championships where he finished with a 1-2-1 record and helped Nebraska record a fourth-place finish as a team. 

Why did you choose to come to Nebraska?
"I chose to come to Nebraska because of the excellent facilities, the very competitive schedule, and the coaching staff who I believe is able to make me a better player."

What are your plans after graduation?
"I am planning to go back to Europe and trying to become a professional golf player."

What is your pre-tournament routine?
"I start my warmup about 60 minutes before the start of the round and then go through my different clubs on the range and try to shape the ball different ways. After this, I am heading to the putting green to start with long putts before I make some short putts to finish my preparations."

Other than golf, what sports did you play growing up?
"Handball and soccer."

Who or what got you into the game of golf?
"I started to try out golf with my family."

Who is your biggest role model and why?
"Rory McIlroy because he is one of the best drivers in the game and has a very powerful swing."

What has been your favorite moment during your time at Nebraska?
"The favorite moment during my time at Nebraska was the Maridoe Intercollegiate since it was a really challenging golf course, and I was able to play solid in all three rounds."

What are your favorite courses you have ever played?
"The Old Course in St. Andrews and Bay Hill."

If you could pick one course anywhere in the world to play, where would it be? Why?
"I would play the Old course in St. Andrews because it is the home of golf and a special experience."

If you could pick one person to play a round of golf with, who would it be?
"Tiger Woods"

What would you say your strongest part of your game is?
My driving

What part of your game do you focus on the most?
"I am focusing the most on my putting this year since this is the part of the golf game which restricted me in the past years from consistently playing good scores and low rounds."

In what ways has Nebraska helped you grow as a person?
"Nebraska has helped me improve my golf game and become a more complete player, and it also allows me to continue my education."

What do you hope to accomplish at Nebraska?
"I hope to win a Big Ten Championship and then make it to the National Championship and compete there for the national title."