Messer goes with the guys on the greens

By BOB PUTNAM
Published September 26, 2006

Largo's Andrea Messer, the Times' 2005 female co-golfer of the year, has decided to play strictly against boys this season, giving up a chance to compete for an individual girls state title.

"It wasn't really a tough decision," Messer said. "I'm playing a lot of weekend tournaments and with school and girls golf, that would have been too much.

"Plus, I feel like I've already accomplished all that I can at the girls level."

Messer, a junior, is an aggressive golfer who possesses a potent combination of length and touch and a feel for winning that was honed on the amateur circuit.

At last year's Class 2A state tournament, Messer was tied for the lead through 36 holes with Stuart Martin County's Alexandria Buelow. Messer lost by a stroke on the first-sudden death hole.

She was one of the favorites to win a state title this year, along with Packers teammate Evan Jensen. But to qualify, the girls have to make room on their schedule for four girls meets.

Messer, though, didn't want to limit herself to girls events. She intended to not only play with the boys, but beat them.

"I just feel it's going to make me a better player going up against the boys and playing from the back tees," Messer said.

She proved last year she can hold her own, finishing fifth among the boys at the Green Devil Invitational. Messer will play in the invitational again on Thursday.

"I think I can win that tournament this year," Messer said.

But her high school season will end at the close of the boys' regular season.

"My only regret is that I didn't tell my coach Bill Schroeder sooner," Messer said. "I know he expected me to play with the girls this season, but it was something I decided after the season started."

Bob Putnam can be reached at putnam@sptimes.com or (727) 580-4935.

[Last modified September 26, 2006, 01:23:15]