An Irish golf champion’s journey to ASU

Olivia Mehaffey, 22, wanted to go to America since she was 13 years old. 

Now a senior majoring in sociology, the Ireland native is living her dream playing for Arizona State University’s women’s golf team. 

In her first year at ASU, Mehaffey placed second at the NCAA Regionals and made it to the Pac-12 First Team All-Conference.

As a junior, Mehaffey became the 2019 Pac-12 Individual Champion, making her the 13th Sun Devil to earn a medalist honor.  

Olivia Mehaffey, 22, winning her first Pac-12 individual championship.

“This has been my favorite memory so far,” Mehaffey said. 

As her senior season of golf unfolds, Mehaffey remembers the struggles of moving away from home to college. 

“Being away from home was so new,” Mehaffey said. 

She comes from a very close-knit, golf-playing family. Travelling across the world for college was something she had to get used to. It was not an easy road for Mehaffey but it did not stop her from pursuing her dreams.

“It was more getting adjusted to being away from home than anything else,” Mehaffey said. 

Nonetheless, Mehaffey worked hard in both academics and golf, paving the way for a very successful collegiate career. 

As her last ASU golf season unfolds, Mehaffey looks forward to finishing off strong. All eyes will be on Mehaffey and the rest of the team at the 2020 NCAA Golf Championships, which will be held in Arizona at Scottsdale’s Grayhawk Golf Club. The ASU women’s golf team is ranked number two in the nation, and she hopes to see the team triumph at the championships. 

For students who are unsure of their next move, Mehaffey’s advice is that they should always trust themselves. 

“Have the courage and be brave to take the leap. It’s a big step but it’s definitely worth it,” Mehaffey said. 

Follow along with the team’s rankings, tournaments and road to championships at the Sun Devil Athletics website.