Nov. 2, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Iowa women’s golf team played its final round of the fall season Wednesday at the 38th annual Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational. The Hawkeyes carded a third-round 316 (+28), moving their 54-hole total to 926 (297-313-316, +62) to finish in 13th place. Texas (288-293-299=880, +16), who hosted the tournament at the 6,344 yard, par 72 University of Texas Golf Club, claimed the tournament title. Three teams tied for second place.
“The golf course played very tough today,” said head coach Megan Menzel. “It was not the finish we were looking for, but it was great to see Chelsea Harris remain patient today and post a solid round. We played some outstanding courses this fall and it will give us some great experience going into the spring.”
Harris fired her best round of the tournament, a 75 (+3), during the third round. Harris posted a one-under 35 on the course’s back nine that included birdies on holes 11 and 17. The Normal, Ill., native recorded a team-best three birdies on the day. Harris ended the tournament in a tie for 31st after shooting a 54-hole total of 228 (76-77-75, +12). Harris’ 228 was her best 54-hole total of the season.
Freshman Shelby Phillips also fired a season-best 54-hole score after finishing the tournament a stroke behind Harris at 229 (72-75-82, +13). She tied for 34th place. Junior Kristi Cardwell fired back-to-back eagles on holes four and five en route to a third round 73 (+7). Cardwell led the tournament in eagles (2) and was the only player among the 81 participants to register an eagle on the fourth hole during the final round. Cardwell finished tied for 58th with a 235 (74-82-79, +19).
Senior Gigi DiGrazia shot an 80 (+8) on Wednesday, her best round of the tournament, to finish the tournament at 245 (83-82-80, +29). Freshman Lauren English ended the first fall of her collegiate career with a 243 (75-79-89, +27).
The Hawkeyes will open their spring season Feb. 19-20 at the Claud Jacobs Challenge in Victoria, Texas.
Team Results
1. Texas – 288-293-299=880 (+16)
T2. Florida – 285-304-303=892 (+28)
T2. Pepperdine – 297-299-296=892 (+28)
T2. Tulsa – 293-301-298=892 (+28)
13. Iowa – 297-313-316=926 (+62)
Individual Results
1. Nicole Vandermade (Texas) – 72-73-69=214 (-2)
2. Madison Pressel (Texas) – 72-71-72=215 (-1)
3. Kelsey Vines (Oklahoma State) – 70-75-71=216 (E)
T31. Chelsea Harris (Iowa) – 76-77-75=228 (+12)
T34. Shelby Phillips (Iowa) – 72-75-82=229 (+13)
T58. Kristi Cardwell (Iowa) – 74-82-79=235 (+19)
T75. Lauren English (Iowa) – 75-79-89=243 (+27)
78. Gigi DiGrazia (Iowa) – 83-82-80=245 (+29)