BOCA RATON, Fla. — Vanderbilt women’s golf completed its first day of the spring season on Monday, shooting a 575 total over 36 holes. The Commodores sit in fourth place at 1-under-par, two shots behind third-place Rutgers.
“I thought we played like a team that hasn’t competed since late October,” said head coach Greg Allen. “We were very rusty and not very sharp around the greens but that’s ok. It’s early and the important thing is that we continue to improve and get better each day. Tomorrow will be our next opportunity to do that.”
Sophomore Lynn Lim and freshman Macie Brown are both tied for fourth place with 4-under-par totals. Brown, who is competing as an individual this week, carded a 3-under 69 in her opening round to set a season low. The Commodore duo sits one stroke off the lead entering the final round.
“We had some really bright spots individually today,” said Allen. “I am so proud of Macie for playing this well in only her third-ever college tournament. It’s nice to see Lynn near the top of the leaderboard again. She’s so close to posting really low scores for us.”
Freshman Ava Merrill, also competing as an individual this week, sits in a tie for 12th at 1-under par. Her 4-under 68 in the second round marks a season-low. Sophomore Tillie Claggett carded a 2-over 74 in the morning and a 2-under 70 in the afternoon to finish the day even in 21st place.
“I was proud to see Ava come back in the afternoon round and play the way we all know she’s capable of playing,” said Allen, “and the same with Tillie.”
Senior Virginie Ding ended Monday with a 1-over-par 145 total. She is tied for 26th heading into the final 18 holes. Graduate Celina Sattelkau notched a 3-over 147 total while freshman Sara Im rounded out the Commodores lineup with a 149-stroke total.
“The forecast is calling for some crazy wind tomorrow which I think can play to our advantage as we’ve got some work to do in catching some teams,” said Allen.
Vanderbilt will tee off in another 7 a.m. CT shotgun start on Tuesday for the final 18 holes of the tournament.
