By Jeff Holt
Published March 4, 2021 in The Burg
GALESBURG - In golf, you always hear people say that "one shot" keeps them coming back to play.
For Alexis (DeJaynes) Clark, it might be that one season of her playing golf at Western Illinois University. Her scorecard just lit up during her sophomore year of college and in the 2002-03 season for the Leathernecks.
"Looking back, that was probably one of the best seasons I had in my career," she said. "I think my mind was in the right spot. I just remained calm and played my game."
And that she did.
Clark won the first-ever Mid-Con Player of the Week honor in the history of the WIU women's golf program - on September 25, 2003 - when she placed third out of 42 golfers at the Butler Invitational.
She had a three-round score of 82-84-76. She also posted a score of 74 in WIU's own Harry Mussatto Golf Course that same year, which was a school-record at the time in WIU women's golf history. For her efforts, she was awarded second team All-Mid-Con honors in 2002-03.
Clark played a total of 2 1/2 years before putting more time towards her major of Business Management. She admits that her first year of college was a big adjustment, living off campus and away from home. Plus, all of the travel for the golf matches and the higher level of Division I competition.
But like hitting that 20-foot putt for birdie or that long drive in the middle of the fairway, Clark can always cherish that one season of golf in Leatherneck country.