WEST POINT, Miss. — Vanderbilt women’s golf started its final tournament of the fall hot, tying for the lowest team round in the history of The Ally. At 278 strokes, Monday’s opener is the lowest score for the Commodores since the second round of the 2023 Mason Rudolph Championship. The Dores currently sit in first place at 10-under par, edging host Mississippi State by one stroke with 36 holes remaining.
“Well, the message was very clear last night, ‘let’s get off to a good start and not wait until the second round to figure things out,’” said head coach Greg Allen. “It was so much fun watching them do just that. I’m not sure I’ve seen a group play a better nine holes.”
Vanderbilt’s opening nine holes were quite the feat as the Commodores sank 12 birdies and an eagle to race out at 12-under-par. Monday was the first round since the second round at the Clemson Invitational last spring in which all the scorers for Vanderbilt finished below par. All four scoring golfers in the Vanderbilt lineup are within the top 12 individually.
“Things got a little shaky on 10,11,12, but I’m proud of how they hung in there and didn’t get rattled,” said Allen. “They showed a lot of maturity today.”
Sara Im led the way for Vanderbilt in the first round, carding six birdies on her way to a 4-under 68. She is tied for second place individually. Ava Merrill matched Im’s six total birdies, ending Monday at 1-under par.
“I feel like I’m saying the same things about Sara and Ava each week,” said Allen. “They continue to play at a high level. They push each other to be their best.”
Tillie Claggett sits at 3-under and is tied for fifth overall after dropping two birdies and an eagle on the par-five No. 9. Lynn Lim, tied for 10th, notched a 2-under-par 70 with four birdies herself. Charlene Chung shot a 79 to round out Vanderbilt’s lineup.
Sophomore Macie Brown carded a 78 while freshman Claire Henson shot a 77 competing as individuals.
“Lynn continues to be steady for us, and it’s nice to see Tillie under par again,” said Allen. “She’s really made strides the last few weeks and is close to playing great golf again.”
Vanderbilt leads at The Ally for the first time in program history. The Commodores dropped the most birdies of any team (20) and have the lowest Par 3 and Par 4 team averages entering the second round.
“Tomorrow is a new day and a new round,” said Allen. “We need to continue to have the same mindset. I’m excited for the opportunity.”
Vanderbilt will tee off alongside Mississippi State and Florida at 10:00 a.m. CT for Tuesday’s second round.
Live scoring for the event can be found HERE.
