Snow and cold weather will not hinder the Simpson men and women’s golf teams in its upcoming competitions.

Both teams will be traveling to Missouri for spring break competition. The Storm women will participate in a tournament with four other teams in Branson.

Five Storm men will compete in an exhibition game with Missouri Southern in Joplin. Neither team has had the opportunity to spend quality practice time outside due to the less than perfect weather conditions.

The women’s team has adapted to the poor weather by spending its practice time at the indoor golf dome in West Des Moines.

Like the women, the men’s team has been spending most of its practice time inside. In the northeast corner of Cowles, an area has been set up for golfers to work on its swing by hitting golf balls into a net.

This has given Head Coach Larry Shoop, who is in his first year with the Simpson golf program, a good opportunity to focus on the golfer’s individual swing.

“Even though we’re not outside, it’s still time well spent,” said sophomore Andy English. “Coach has helped a lot.”

Another way the Simpson golf teams have adjusted to the weather is a conditioning program. Both teams follow strength and conditioning programs using weights in order to stay in shape for the season.

Despite virtually no outdoor practice time and with spring break less than a week away, both teams feel prepared for the upcoming competitions.

“Most schools have experienced the same type of weather we have,” said English.

On Monday of the week’s competition, the men will have time to practice outside at the course in Joplin. Competition does not officially start until the end of the week.

The women will also have practice rounds during the beginning of the week on the course in Branson before beginning official competition. According to freshman Steph Shenefield, the team will focus on chipping and putting since it’s hard to practice those techniques in an indoor environment.

Shenefield feels confident that the women’s team will be competitive again this season.

“We will be rusty the first few days, but we don’t start competing until the end of the week. After practice rounds we’ll be ready to go,” said Shenefield.