Nov. 14, 2011

DALLAS (SMU) – The SMU women’s golf team announced the signing of international golfers Mehar Atwal and Jenny Haglund, along with Texas state champion Alexandra Rossi for the 2012-13 season.

“This is my first class of signees at SMU and they reflect what I think is important,” said SMU head coach Jeanne Sutherland.  “They all have strong character, a great passion for the game, work hard in all that they do and will make great teammates.  I am really looking forward to their arrival on campus. Together, they will take SMU to the next level along with the players currently here.  It is an exciting day for all of us.”

Atwal, a member of the 2011 India national squad, won the 2011 Southern India Ladies Amateur in September. The New Delhi native shot a first round 68 to give herself a lead that did not relinquish. She is the niece of PGA tour member Arjun Atwal.

“Mehar brings a lot with her to SMU, including her experience on her national team in major events around the world and her desire to be a great player” Sutherland noted. “She has all of the things I look for in a player and she will help SMU win championships.”

Haglund, a member of the Swedish national team, won the 2011 Galvin Green Junior Open, Vaxjo GC, Junior Masters Invitation and Haninge GC. The Karlstad native competes for Karlstad GK which recently won the Swedish Junior Club Championships.

“Jenny is a great player and will help SMU develop into a top twenty program,” Sutherland said. “I was impressed with her competitiveness and demeanor on the golf course.  She is focused and she knows her game.  She will make an immediate impact on our program.”

Rossi, a native of Austin, Texas, is a three-time 3A TAPPS state champion with 45 nationwide wins to her credit. She capped off this past summer by winning the AJGA Elbit Systems of America Championship, the George Hannon Invitational as well as qualifying for the USGA Girls Junior Amateur Championship.

“Alex is a great golfer, student and person,” Sutherland said. “Alex had a great summer of golf and every time I watched her play, I saw her fight and her power.  She has exactly the attitude that I love in a player and she will do great things at SMU.”