Rob Rashell Profile
October 9, 1998
by Ryan Church
Finding hidden talent is one of the keys to success in college athletics.
As the Washington men's golf team continues to become one of the strongest squads in the Pacific-10 Conference, the hidden talent in senior Rob Rashell has made a tremendous difference.
As a high school athlete, Rashell's ability was revealed on the basketball court more than it was on the golf course. As a prep hoopster at Lake Stevens High School, he was named second-team all-league and was recruited by a handful of small colleges.
"I was really into basketball," Rashell says. "I never really played a lot of golf and played at basketball camps all summer. I never had a lesson until I started working with Coach [O.D.] Vincent."
To become a walk-on to Washington's golf team, players compete in a tournament for the last opening on the team. It was after Rashell won this tournament that he received his first golf lesson. More important than lessons, it has been his diligent practice that caused his game to flourish.
"The key is practice," Rashell explains. "Learning to be comfortable about playing the game can be difficult. More important than a pretty swing, it's important to have a swing that you feel comfortable with."
Fortunately for Washington, Rashell didn't hold back any of his golf talent once he started playing as a Husky. Rashell is reaping the benefits of his perfect practice over the past few years. After winning the 1997 Washington State Amateur, he set a school record by finishing the season with a 73.2 18-hole stroke average. Rashell's individual accomplishments are what makes him an outstanding team golfer. While Rashell is just one part of a the best Washington team in years, most golfers will agree that the sport is still a very individual pursuit..
"The best thing about golf is the worst thing," Rashell says. "If you are having a bad day, there is little your teammates can do for you since we're not paired together in tournaments. Individually, you have hang in there and grind things out yourself."
Last season, Rashell ground out seven top-10 finishes, but is still chasing that elusive first collegiate tournament victory.
"You don't see the same guy winning all the tournaments," remarks Rashell. "You have good days and bad days. You need to stick with what you have and just be comfortable.
"I step up the tee thinking I have a chance to win everything," he continues. "When I fall behind, I remember how I played in the 1997 Washington State Amateur and how that ended up."
There is good reason for Rashell to recall the memories of that tournament. After being in the hunt the first day, Rashell dropped six strokes back after three-putting the eighth hole. That was the last mistake Rashell made, as he birdied holes 9, 10 and 11 before aggressive birdies on holes 15, 16 and 18. By the end of the tournament, Rashell had carded a 31 on the back side at Gold Mountain's Olympic Golf Course, coming from behind to win by two strokes.
Big tournament experience and a calm outlook to golf are just a few strengths into his senior season at Washington where he will be counted on to lead one of the Pac-10s best team's.
"Rob is one of the best players that I have ever worked with. He is going to be a great leader for our team," says Vincent, Washington's fourth year head coach, "Rob is an outstanding individual and our players respect him tremendously."
Rashell and the team have made tremendous improvements since Vincent took over as the head coach over four years ago. The focus for this year's team is not just improving, but competing for the Pac-10 Championship.
One advantage the Huskies will have is the home course. The Huskies will host the 1999 Pac-10 Championships this spring at Broadmoor Country Club.
"This year's team is as good as ever," Rashell says "The whole team is very excited to get it started."
