BUTLER TWP — Her original plans were to golf down south where she could practice all the time.

Where incoming Butler senior Paige Scott decided to go, weather is a non-factor — at least in terms of golf.

Scott has verbally committed to continue her academic and golf career at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.

She plans to major in accounting.

“They're just putting in a $3 million indoor practice facility there for the men's and women's teams,” Scott said. “We'll be able to work on all phases of our game in there.

“I love everything about that school. There are two golf courses right on campus. The coach is awesome. She's like a second mom to the team.”

Alyssa Gaudio has been the head coach of Oakland's women's golf team since November of 2014. She was the league's Coach of the Year for three successive seasons, 2016-18.

“She's a young coach. She just had a baby. She's super nice,” Scott said.

Scott also considered Towson (Md.) and Findlay (Ohio) before choosing Oakland. Findlay was ranked fourth in Division II in women's golf last year.

Oakland competes in the Horizon League. The Grizzlies won the league a few years ago and finished second in the circuit in 2019, winning three tournaments that season.

After not competing in 2020 due to COVID-19, Oakland returned to action this past spring and finished sixth in the Horizon League Tournament.

“The girls just had a bad day. It can happen,” Scott said. “I like the talent that's there.

“The men's team won the league this year. With this new facility, I'm confident the women will get up there as well.”

Butler girls golf coach Sarah Zediker admitted she hoped Scott would opt for a college program down south.

“But with that new indoor facility, I guess that doesn't matter,” Zedider said. “Paige will be able to practice before classes, after classes, I know she's going to put the time in.

“Her game has really matured. She will be a tremendous asset to their program ... she'd be a great asset to any college program.”

The Grizzlies had nine players on the roster this spring. Four were seniors.

Scott said the team takes five or six golfers to road matches.

“The coach said she doesn't expect me to have too much trouble making the travel team,” Scott said. “I'm hoping to help lead the team to a Horizon League championship and maybe an NCAA championship.

“I know that's the vision our coach has and I'm excited about that.”

Scott's goals entering her final season at Butler are two-fold. She wants the entire Golden Tornado team to qualify for the PIAA Tournament and she wants to break Marissa DeCola's 9-hole school record of 31.

“I've come close. I've shot a 33,” she said. “This is my last year and I really want that record.”

This summer, Scott qualified for the Notah Begay National Championship girls golf tournament in Louisiana in November. She also carded a 4-under-par 66 to win the Butler Eagle Amateur Open earlier this month.

“Paige is riding a lot of momentum entering this (high school) season,” Zediker said. “She's a very driven, competitive player.”

Keeping a busy summer tournament schedule this year, Scott will not repeat that process next summer.

“I'm going to scale back, work on my game and get ready for college,” she said.