UVA Women's Golf

The University of Virginia women's golf team will start the final round of play tomorrow at the Cougar Classic in second place at a team total of -1, just 10 strokes behind leader Arkansas.

Fourth-year Elizabeth Szokol leads the team with scores of 71, 69, putting her in fourth place as an individual. Behind her is Lauren Coughlin who fired rounds of 75, 71 and finds herself tied for 18th. Morgan Gonzales and Lauren Diaz-Yi share the 23rd spot with scores of 76, 71 and 71, 76, respectively. Rounding out the team is Katharine Patrick who signed for rounds of 81, 71 in her collegiate golf debut. In the individual spots are Anna Redding and Lyberty Anderson who posted scores of 70, 79 and 72, 78.

The Hoos set their sights high as they enter the final round of play in Charleston, hoping to expand upon the four place jump up the leaderboard they achieved today.

The University of Virginia women's golf team is set to tee off in its first round of competitive play of the season this morning in South Carolina. The Cougar Classic, as the tournament is called, is hosted by the College of Charleston at the Yeamans Hall Club in Hanahan and will feature eight of the top-30 ranked teams in the country. 

In the line-up for UVA is third-year Lauren Diaz-Yi, redshirt fifth-year Lauren Coughlin, third-year Elizabeth Szokol and first-years Katharine Patrick and Morgan Gonzales. Playing in the individual spots are second-year Lyberty Anderson and first-year Anna Redding. 

The team made their way down to the coastal location on Friday afternoon from Birdwood Golf Course and arrived later that night. On Saturday, they took to the course for a team practice round followed by some individual practice. Although the Hoos have sent a young squad to play in their season-opening tournament, the non-traveling members at home in Charlottesville rest assured knowing that their team is more than capable of achieving great success this weekend. With the guidance of Coach Kim and Assistant Coach Calle, who begins her first full year with the team as of this event, the Hoos are set to start their year off right. 

It's official- the first-years have made it to Grounds! And to our practice facility at Birdwood Golf Course!

The UVA women's golf team will welcome four first-years to the program this season. In less than a week, these talented and bright young women will grace the university grounds as full-time students and will officially begin practicing and playing with the team. As far as golf goes all four girls are astonishingly accomplished, but off the course they are about as unique as you could possibly imagine. From different home states to varied interests and hobbies, each young lady has something special to offer the already diverse Virginia team.

Hailing all the way from Chandler, A.Z., Morgan Gonzales settled on the University of Virginia not only for a much needed change of landscape, but also because she sensed something indescribably magical about Charlottesville the second she stepped on grounds. In addition to the incredible coaching staff of the women’s team, Morgan says she committed to play at UVA because it is the perfect balance of both challenging athletics and academics. In preparation for her first year, she is considering a wide variety of academic pathways including business, finance and biology. In Morgan’s spare time, she fancies herself quite the artist. Many of her original works hang matted and framed on the walls of her family home. Outside the scholastic arena, Morgan has participated and excelled in sports across the board due to her rare hyper mobility. She proudly mentions that she has an extreme advantage in both swimming and gymnastics due to the extended range of motion in her elbow, but adds that there is something special about golf that she just can’t shake. She loves the intense focus it requires and, ever since an elbow fracture at the age of eight stifled her gymnastics career, she hasn’t thought about leaving the game for a second. Having traveled to both China and Scotland, Morgan’s young mind is deeply intrigued by the concept of cultural diversity. She dreams of taking her travels to the next level by visiting Croatia and the turquoise blue waters of the Adriatic in order to tap into her own family history.

Anna Reading, heading our way from the nearby state of North Carolina, experienced the same magical sensation as Morgan the moment she stepped onto grounds. She remembers hearing about the 'Guys in Ties, Girls in Pearls' dress code that UVA students abide by for home football games during one of her unofficial visits. Indulging in the UVA lifestyle, Anna's mom bought her a beautiful sundress and pearls to match, both of which she wore to the game. Anna fondly recalls that as she passed through the gates of Scott Stadium she felt as if she naturally belonged amongst the student body. Despite her mother's generosity that day, the Concord native is far from being spoiled. In fact, her altruism is spectacular to say the very least. She admits that her biggest accomplishment to date is the project she singlehandedly conducted during her senior year called Birdies for Babies. Through the project, Anna raised just shy of $23,000 by making 65 birdies and three eagles during her fall golf season. The funds she collected afforded the Tenwek Hospital in Kenya the ability to purchase a neonatal incubator, an instrument that has the capacity to save 60 babies every year. When she isn't diving headfirst into volunteer projects, Anna enjoys the serenity of the great outdoors, participating in activities from canoeing to hiking to fly-fishing and more. Although Anna proudly describes herself as an athlete, it is safe to say there is more to this Carolina girl than just long drives and one-putts.

Out of Houston, Texas, Katharine Patrick is not the big haired, country girl you might expect her to be. In fact, there is so much more to this young lady than her endearing southern charm. Having attended a performing and visual arts high school, Katharine maintains the secret ability to play the classical piano. With the assistance of 13 years of training, Katharine recently performed a 40-minute recital by memory, an endeavor that she ranks amongst the most significant accomplishments of her life to date. Despite her musical talent, Katharine transitions with ease from the concert hall to the baseball diamond where she participates in America’s pastime, preferably alongside the boys. Never having played golf on an organized team, Katharine anxiously awaits the first day of UVA team practice. Although 14 new teammates will be a lot to handle, Katharine’s excitement for team camaraderie is boundless. She hopes that in down time the girls might even indulge in their inner child and join her for a few episodes of her favorite guilty pleasure TV show: SpongeBob.

Rounding out this year’s class of first years is Rachel Corry of Ridgefield, Connecticut. This Northeasterner boasts an adrenaline-seeking, upbeat personality that never fails to impress. Not one to turn down an adventure, Rachel reminisces on her two most memorable trips. In Scottsdale, Arizona she rode ATVs and stargazed in the desert and in St. Thomas she snorkeled amongst the largest coral reefs in the world and sailed to remote islands. She asserts that her next thrill-seeking voyage will be to either Figi for scuba and skydiving or to Aspen for skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing. Although adventure pervades her mind 24/7, Rachel is no stranger to the simpler things in life. She has independently cooked her family's entire Thanksgiving meal for the past three years and feels no greater happiness than when she is in the presence of her closest friends. Graced with the gift of math, Rachel has her sights set on pursuing a major in Accounting, in which case she will be the easiest-to-spot student in the room. Just listen for the giggles of a girl full of life and you will surely spot this multi-faceted young woman.

The UVA women’s golf team is thrilled to welcome Morgan, Anna, Katharine, and Rachel for the 2015-16 season. We are confident that these four young ladies will not only help us reach our loftiest golf goals, but will also add color, flair and life to our already fantastically diverse team.

Denny McCarthy is no stranger to success. The recent University of Virginia graduate boasts an incredible amateur golf career adorned with both wins at the 2015 Porter Cup and the 2014 World Amateur Championship, as well as landmark accomplishments including qualifying for the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. With impressive achievements such as these under his belt, McCarthy moves towards his future in professional golf with considerable confidence.

UVA Golf recently caught up with the young superstar about his major championship debut and we’ve got the inside scoop just for you. Here is the exclusive interview:

UVA Golf: What was your reaction to qualifying as you were driving away from the site?

McCarthy: Leaving the course, it hadn't really sunk in what I had just done but I was really excited to get back to Chambers Bay because I played in the Amateur there 5 years ago. I was excited because I knew what the course was all about and because I felt like it was certainly an advantage to play it under USGA tournament conditions.

UVA Golf: What were the best/funniest/worst/most ridiculous thing/s that happened while you were out in Chambers Bay?

McCarthy: The most ridiculous/pinch me moment came when I got to the course for the first time, pulled into the players lot, and the car that pulled in next to me was Tiger Woods.... My brother just goes, "Denny, Tiger's right there..."

UVA Golf: You made the cut at your first major championship, as a 22-year-old amateur nonetheless, and almost won the low amateur award. How much confidence in your game and for your future do you have coming off that success?

McCarthy: It gives me all the confidence in the world. It just goes to show that I have the game to play at the highest level and I can play with the best players in the world.

UVA Golf: I’ve heard a little about the supposed pampered life on the PGA Tour, but the perks at a major championship must be on another level. What was the best perk of the week?

McCarthy: Haha we got pampered for sure. It's a good life those guys live. It's hard to pick out one single thing because we got treated like kings, but I thought it was pretty cool that each player had a brand new Lexus courtesy car for the week.. I got to the airport and a new Lexus was there waiting for me to drive.

UVA Golf: What do you take away from the week? What did you learn?

McCarthy: Like I said, it gives me that inner belief that I can play with the top guys in the world, but I know I can improve and get a lot better. I saw how patient you have to be in arguably the most intense stage in golf. You really have to let the round come to you and be really disciplined. If you push against a championship course like Chambers Bay the course will push back harder. Also, you have to be mentally tough and in tune on each shot. There's no such thing as breathing room where you can take a shot off when you're playing in the U.S. Open.

UVA Golf: What’s next for Denny? When are you planning to turn pro?

McCarthy: I'm playing amateur events like the Porter Cup, the Western Amateur, and the U.S. Amateur coming up. My goal is to make the Walker Cup team and hopefully turn pro after that. I've wanted to be on the Walker Cup team for quite some time now because I think it's pretty amazing to represent your country. 

It is no doubt that an immensely successful professional career awaits Denny McCarthy. To the members of the men and women’s golf teams at UVA however, he will forever be characterized by his spunk both on and off the course. In our eyes, he will be remembered most for his sense of humor, his sense of adventure and his genuine friendship. We wish the best for Denny as he approaches his highly anticipated future and we foresee nothing but greatness for the young golfer.

Incoming first-year Anna Reading will be up bright and early tomorrow morning to warm up for her Semifinal match in the 113th Women’s North & South Amateur Championship played at Pinehurst No. 2. Reading will take on incoming Georgia Bulldog Bailey Tardy in her match scheduled for 7:08 am and, if she emerges victorious, will advance to the Final match later that afternoon.

Anna qualified for the match play portion of this championship by shooting 76-75-70 during the three days of stroke play for an aggregate score of +11. The par 70, 6,300 yard course hosted both the men's and the women's U.S. Open Championships in 2014.

With five days of competitive play under her belt, Anna is more than ready for her upcoming match. As a soon-to-be first-year, her steady play and determination show anything but lack of experience. With any luck, her fighting Hoo spirit will kick in a few months early and propel her to the forefront of this highly regarded amateur event.

For the past 10 days, UVA golfer Alex Hershberger was in Sweden visiting her mother's family and, of course, playing golf. She and her family took part in friendly match and stroke play competitions amongst each other at their home golf course of Bosjökloster, as well as the local, coastline courses of Ystad and Åhus.

However, the most exciting golf stop of the trip was to the renowned Barsebäck Resort, which hosted the Solheim Cup in 2003, the Scandinavian Masters on nine separate occasions, and 13 other European Tour events. The Masters course, which features 14 holes 'in the trees' as well as four holes along the brutally windy coast, plays 7,300 yards from the back tees. From the difficult weather conditions to the stunning views, Barsebäck is certainly a course worth visiting. 

Five members of the women's golf team are in Tennessee this week for the Women's Western Amateur Championship hosted by the Nashville Golf and Athletic Club. The group of young ladies, including incoming first-year Morgan Gonzales and recent graduate Briana Mao, will play against a very strong field of 152 amateur golfers.

The tournament, which is in its 115th year of existence, will be played in the format of two rounds of stroke play followed by match play for up to four days. Temperatures will reach the mid 90's and will certainly be a factor this week for all competitors. It is possible, however, that the good vibes of the nearby CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville will uplift the spirits of the golfers and keep them cheery throughout their grueling rounds.

Six members of the women's golf team are in Lexington, VA this week for the 2015 Women's Eastern Amateur Championship, including incoming first-year Rachel Corry. The girls posed for a photo overlooking the mountainous Lexington Golf and Country Club today while carrying teammate Lyndsey Hunnell, who is tied for fourth at one over par after two days of tournament play. 

Pictured above: Ju Hee Bae, Lyndsey Hunnell, Alex Hershberger, Rachel Corry and Jessie Merrill. Sadly, not pictured: Ariana Dial.

The newest addition to the women’s golf team, Calle Nielson is no stranger to D1 athletics. Calle was not only a member of the UVA team from 2007-2011, but she also stepped in as temporary assistant coach back in 2012 when the team finished in an outstanding fourth place at the National Championship tournament.

At the age of 26, Calle has the potential to be a huge asset for the Hoos. Her young energy breathes life into every practice and workout, and her extensive experience in the sport makes her the perfect set of extra eyes on the course. As a 3-time All-American, Calle has had undeniable success in the game of golf, but how has she done it? How does she hope to help the Hoos to a national title? And most importantly, how in the heck does she maintain those world-renowned legs??

As any avid golfer knows, the best way to get to know someone is to play 18 holes with him or her. So let the round begin!

The Front 9

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Nashville, TN on the east side of the river, about a mile from downtown. I loved growing up in Nashville.

2. Did you have any nicknames in college?

I think I had a different nickname each year but my main nickname was Cal, which is also my father’s name.

3. What’s your go-to snack on the course?

Banana and peanut butter or almond butter!

4. What’s your dream vacation?

Anywhere on a beach!!! I would also love to travel across Europe.

5. Describe your family.

Well I am an only child so some would say what a spoiled brat. I must admit that I am spoiled but not a brat ☺. My parents still live in Nashville and I try to see them as much as possible. They have given me so many opportunities in my life and I can’t thank them enough for being who they are to me. Side note: my name is Calle Ann Nielson- my Dad’s name is Cal and my mothers name is Ann! See where I get my name?!

6. What’s your relationship like with Coach Kim?

Where to begin with this question, Coach Kim is someone that I look up to each and every day. She is such a great role model but most importantly she is such a great friend to me. I think that we work very well together and have fun while doing our jobs, which is very important!

7. Would you rather play in blistering heat or downpour?

I wouldn’t mind playing in either. The downpour could be pretty fun! Just like playing in the rain as a kid.

8. What are your plans for this summer?

I am traveling a lot, which I am excited about; I am recruiting and playing 3 Symetra tour events because I still had status from my finish last year on Symetra. I look forward to representing the University at those events and also while on the road recruiting!

9. Other than golf, what is your favorite hobby?

I love to try new workouts.

Make the turn!

The Back 9

10. If you had a whole day to yourself, what would you do?

I would get up and watch the Today show while having some breakfast and coffee. Then I would get a good workout out and then I would sit by the beach and read a book! Love me some pool and beach time during the summer months.

11. Rumor has it that you’re getting a puppy soon… Tell us about it!

So I told the team that if we won ACC’s I would get a puppy. We not only won ACC’s but we won by quite a few strokes so my name is on a waiting list for a puppy! It looks as though the puppy will be arriving in late August just for the start of the fall season.

12. What’s your favorite thing about Charlottesville?

Well I must say that the food venues are just wonderful. I really like the scenery in Charlottesville. When I was looking for a place to go to school I told myself that’s I wanted.

13. How has the transition from playing to coaching been?

So great! I could not ask for a better head coach and better girls to work with on the team. I love going to work every day and I think that is an important part to consider when looking for a job, that you love going to work!

14. Do you have a motto or mantra you live by?

Attitude is everything!

15. If you could pick another sport to play what would it be and why?

I would love to be tall enough to play basketball. I played all through high school and loved the competitive part of it. It kept me in shape during the winter months in Nashville.

16. Who do you look up to and why?

I look up to my parents a lot because they have given me everything that I have. I also look up to Coach Kim and her husband; they are such wonderful people and love what they do. They also inspire people and I want to have that impact on people when I get older.

17. What are you most proud of?

I am proud to be back at the University of Virginia representing the school that I graduated from and got my degree!

18. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Happy and enjoying what I do everyday!!