UVA Women's Golf

Despite finishing in 20th place, the UVA women’s golf team left the National Championship at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, FL this past week with smiles on their faces. Not only did the Hoos face the toughest course they have ever seen as a team, but they also participated in a format to the women’s championship that made history.

The Concession Golf Club can only be described as “a bear of a golf course”, says red-shirt Senior Lauren Coughlin. With daunting bunker complexes and unforgivingly crowned greens, players were challenged by every shot they faced. Accuracy and execution were at a premium, especially with the thought of a national title hanging so pristinely in the background. The Hoos fell prey to the treacherous course, as did many other teams, but they did manage to walk away from the tournament with some successes. Lauren Diaz-Yi scored an impressive 75 on her final day of competition while Elizabeth Szokol finished up the championship in 51st place as an individual with steady rounds of 76-77-78. Ranked 10th in the nation going into the tournament, the Hoos proved they are fit to contend on a national stage.

Although their efforts fell just short, the Cavaliers are proud to have been a part of a momentous format change in women’s collegiate golf. Replacing a 72-hole stroke play format, the new 54-hole stroke play followed by match play amongst the top 15 teams is ground breaking to say the very least. The extended setup of the championship adequately honors the countless hours collegiate golfers dedicate to their games every year while allowing them some room for inevitable error. The enhanced championship also spurred considerable press and television coverage for the women. For the first time since 1997, Golf Channel broadcasted the Women’s National Championship, and will continue to stay in Bradenton to cover the Men’s Championship at the same venue. All in all, Golf Channel will devote over 100 hours of coverage to the NCAA Championships. As far as women’s golf goes, this recognition is unparalleled.