Sophomore Summer: Penelope Tir of Women’s Golf

Throughout the summer, DartmouthSports.com will be focusing on members of the Class of 2024 who are currently in their "Sophomore Summers" presented by the Norwich Inn.

This installment focuses on Penelope Tir of the women's golf team. The Winnetka, Illinois native was recognized as a Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-American Scholar in 2021-22.

DartmouthSports.com: What have you been doing during your sophomore summer?
Penelope Tir: I have been taking classes, hitting the gym, hiking, rollerblading, picnic-ing, and (of course) practicing golf. I'm taking a genetics course, the second organic chemistry course, and working in a lab between 10-6 most days, but any extra time I get I'll run out to the practice area and try to get a couple of putts in. Fortunately for me, it's summer and the sun is out for a super long time — so I try to get breakfast with friends and participate in fun events with my sorority outside of those times.

DS: What is your favorite place on campus?
PT: My favorite place at Dartmouth is Irving, in the engineering area. I love that it has so many chairs, desks and outlets and it has its own cafe. I just can't resist an iced soy matcha latte while studying.

DS: What was it in the recruiting process that sold you on Dartmouth?
PT: More than anything, it was the feeling of the family I could have. During one of my visits, I got to meet the entire team and I immediately felt a sense of belonging. I remember meeting Kristen Chen, one of my closest friends now, on that trip. When I left, even my mom could tell I really liked her and Dartmouth. It's cheesy, I know, but my teammates have been the greatest support system and some of my biggest role models here at Dartmouth.

DS: What has been your best on-course memory thus far in your Dartmouth career?
PT: During the last round at Ivies, I found myself going into the 18th hole one under par. I guess the adrenaline got to me—my third shot sailed over the green, hit a couple of rocks, and ended up 15 feet above the green atop what was essentially a cliff. I ended up making a bogey to shoot even par for the last day, but I specifically remember not even being mad at the shot; I only laughed in disbelief as I hiked up the hill to hit that next shot.

DS: What would be your best advice to your 15-year-old self?
PT: I would remind her that there are 18 entire holes in a round of golf. I used to get so in my own head about hitting bad shots that I would let them cloud my entire tournament. Taken in a broader context, it would just be a reminder that one bad day, one awful grade, or one embarrassing moment doesn't have to ruin anything else.

DS: If you could swap places with one teammate, who would it be and why?
PT: I consider all of Dartmouth golf as my team so I think I would like to switch places with Charles Petrie on the men's team. I enjoy golf and love competing, but there's just something about his discipline and immersion in the sport that I would like to experience for just a little bit.

DS: What's the app you use most on your phone?
PT: Definitely my messages/ing app/s. I try my best to stay connected with my friends and family back home, and I use it to communicate with friends and coaches here at Dartmouth. It's one of the only features I use on my watch as well.

DS: What show do you binge watch?
PT: Maybe not so much of a show, but I love all earth and nature documentaries. Most recently, I watched one called Fantastic Fungi on Netflix; there's just something about time-lapse plants growing that always has my eyes glued to whatever screen I'm watching.

DS: Do you have a nickname on your team? Who gave it to you and why?
PT: Most of the time I'm Penelope or Penni, but once I showed up to Montcalm (our home course) in sweatpants and Charlie Baker called me "sweats" for the entire 4 hour round.

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