Sept. 4, 2017
KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – Ocean Course Invitational results (thru 36 holes)
KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. — Paced by newcomers Virginia Green and Morgan Baxendale and sophomore Abbey Carlson, the Commodore women’s golf team concluded a grueling first day of competition at the Ocean Course Invitational eighth among 16 teams.
Playing 36 holes at the famed Kiawah Golf Resort course, the Commodores registered a team score of 599 with rounds of 296 and 303.
Head coach Greg Allen was pleased with the quality play from his freshmen, but said too many errors on critical holes hurt his squad’s chances for a higher result.
“I loved what we got out of our freshmen today,” Allen said. “There were way more positives than negatives. Unfortunately, we made too many big numbers, something you just can’t do on the Ocean Course. We didn’t play (holes) 13 and 16 very well.
“At the same time, no one hung their head. They just kept fighting. After seeing some birdies down the stretch, I’m looking forward to seeing our team compete Tuesday,” Allen added.
Competing in her first collegiate event, Green was the low Commodore, producing rounds of 75 and 73 for a two-over-par total of 148. The native of Fairhope, Ala., is tied for 20th in the individual competition.
Baxendale, from Orlando, Fla., and Carlson, from Lake Mary, Fla., are among nine golfers tied for 29th place with five-over totals of 151. Baxendale had rounds of 73 and 78, while Carlson produced scores of 76 and 75.
Two top returnees, senior Alexandra Farnsworth and junior Courtney Zeng, expect to play better Tuesday over the demanding par-73 layout. Both are among six golfers tied for 47th place with two-round totals of 154. Farnsworth shot the team’s top individual round, a one-under 72 to start the day.
The Ocean Course Invitational boasts an impressive early-season field. Seven of the 16 participating teams advanced to NCAA postseason last year.
The Commodores are paired with fellow SEC members Mississippi State and Tennessee Tuesday. Final round action starts at 7:30 a.m. CT.
Ocean Course Invitational (36-hole score)
Team score:
8. Vanderbilt — 296-303=599
Individual scores:
T-20. Virginia Green — 75-73=148
T-29. Abbey Carlson — 76-75=151
T-29. Morgan Baxendale — 73-78=151
T-47. Alexandra Farnsworth — 72-82=154
T-47. Courtney Zeng — 77-77=154
