By Carolyn Linck, '11

Sophomore standout Rick Lamb (RL) is playing well for the Santa Clara University men's golf team, providing the Broncos with consistency. 

"Rick has really picked up where he left off last fall; he's been our steadiest player this spring," said Santa Clara head coach Rob Miller.

Recently www.SantaClaraBroncos.com (SCB) caught up with Lamb about his goals for this season, what he's working to improve and his relationship with brother, Scott Lamb, who also plays golf for the Broncos.

SCB: How old were you when you started playing golf? Did you play any other sports growing up?

RL: I was eight when I started to play.  Growing up I also played hockey, soccer and lacrosse.

SCB: You are from Sarasota, Fla.  What's it like to have your twin brother, Scott, on the Santa Clara University golf team with you? 

RL: I really like having my brother at the same school as me. We went to different schools for the first two years of high school, and it was strange not seeing him every day. It's nice to have a family member so close when everyone else is on the other side of the country.

SCB: How competitive are you two when it comes to golf?

RL: We don't have a rivalry or anything like that, but we both hate losing to anyone so there is some motivation to win when we tee it up.

SCB: You had a great first season for the Broncos last year, being named WCC Freshman of the Year.  How are you hoping to follow this up as a sophomore? What are your goals this season on a team and individual level?

RL: Well, we would obviously like to make it to regionals and then on to nationals this year. It's not easy to do with so many talented teams competing for limited spots, but if we can all play well at the right time I think we can do it. It would be nice to win conference as a team so that we can guarantee our spot in the regional tournament in May.

SCB: What are your goals this season on an individual level?

RL: Individually, my goal is to win a tournament. I haven't accomplished this goal yet, but I've been in contention a few times, which means I'm heading in the right direction.

SCB: What do you think is the strongest part of your game right now and what aspects are you working to improve?

RL: My ball striking tends to be the strongest part of my game. I've been working hard on my short game lately and have been seeing improvement. I work hard on my putting because you can always make more putts.

SCB: What has been your favorite moment playing golf at Santa Clara so far?

RL: It's tough to choose one moment. Going to Hawaii last year was amazing because I had never been there. Going to Mexico this year was a lot of fun as well.

SCB: The team won the Del Walker Classic in Long Beach, Calif. on March 8 and you finished second individually.  How has this tournament impacted the team's confidence?

RL: Winning the Del Walker was important for the team especially because we weren't playing particularly well going in. I think that it will elevate our confidence going in to the next few events as well as the post-season.