Linn-Mar sophomore Morgan Rupp has ‘mental game that sets her apart’ in golf

MARION — Morgan Rupp recalled the first golf clubs she received.

She said she was about 5 years old when her dad, Brian, gifted her a set. It didn’t take long for the love of golf to transfer from father to daughter.

“My dad introduced me to golf,” said Rupp, whose father was a state runner-up medalist and a member of a state title team for Cedar Rapids Regis. “We also live pretty close to a golf course so we go out there quite a bit on the weekends.

“He taught me how to play. We’d have fun going out and now it’s gotten to the point it’s pretty fun because we’re pretty competitive when we play.”

The Linn-Mar sophomore enters the spring as one of the top returners in Class 4A, capping last season with a fifth-place state finish. She is ranked fourth by Bound to start the season and is one of seven Mississippi Valley Conference golfers in the top 10 of 4A.

“I’m just trying to go out there and play my best,” said Rupp, who shot 39.33 per nine with a 41.14 combined adjusted average. “Maybe shoot better than last year. I will just try to put my best scores out there and whatever happens will happen.”

Rupp does have the pedigree for success on the links. The elder Rupp was the leader for the Royals when they won the 1992 Class 3A championship team, which included Masters champion Zach Johnson. He was also on a pair of state runner-up teams. He placed second in 4A during the fall of 1993, tying Spencer’s Adam Hart, who won in a tiebreaker.

The father-daughter state placewinner duo share a similar competitive streak. They have had some good-natured contests during rounds. Rupp, 16, has come a long way from her beginner set and has bested her dad, occasionally.

“I have a couple times,” the younger Rupp said with a laugh. “There have been times when it’s really close and it comes down to a putt on the last hole. We’re both really into it, trying to beat each other.”

Like many golfers, Rupp is anxiously awaiting better weather and chomping at the bit to play outdoors. She spent the winter hitting inside and adjusted her swing to be more consistent. Rupp has devoted time to weight training to increase her strength.

“Morgan has all the physical tools to be a great golfer but it’s her mental game that sets her apart,” Linn-Mar Coach Chris James said. “Her competitive nature and self-belief, especially through adversity, allows her to almost will the ball in at times.”

Rupp will attempt to continue the success she experienced a year ago. She entered her first varsity campaign without major expectations. She focused on fun and shooting her best. The approach paid dividends.

“I think that really helped me because I didn’t put a lot of pressure on myself,” Rupp said. “I just tried to do my best. I feel like if I have the same mindset this year then I’ll be able to play well again.”

The easiest way to cause tension and stress is by concentrating on scores and the leaderboard. Rupp has specific methods to help shift her thoughts on playing loose and staying relaxed.

“When I feel myself drifting toward that I just take a few deep breaths,” Rupp said. “Sometimes I’ll even sing some songs in my head to distance myself. It helps keep the mood light and think about something else compared to obsessing over score or what place I’m going to get.”

The same attitude catapulted her into the top five of her first state tournament. She had two solid days, shooting 76 and 78 for a total of 154 at Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny. The performance was a springboard into summer tournaments.

“I ended up playing pretty well,” Rupp said. “It gave me some confidence. It helped me throughout the summer season, too.”

The MVC is loaded with nine golfers, who placed 17th or better in their respective classes. The reigning MVC Divisional Players of the Year — Iowa City Liberty’s Bella Pettersen and Cedar Rapids Xavier’s Meera Julka — return.

“We have seven of the top 10 individuals (returning from last year) in terms of stroke average in the state and that doesn’t include some talented freshmen as well,” James said. “The individual races in the Valley and Mississippi (Divisions) will be fun to watch. Whoever wins will need three really good scores.”

Rupp said she realizes how challenging each meet will be in the MVC. She said she is motivated by the deep, talented field.

“Everyone wants to be on top of their conference,” Rupp said. “Having a conference so stacked with players pushes me to practice more and try to be the one that comes out on top.”

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