Bama Women's Golf Signs Two in Early Recruiting Period
12/2/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
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TUSCALOOSA –University of Alabama head women’s golf Betty Palmer announced the signing of Laura Goodwin and Taylor Bunnell to national-letters-of-intent to attend Alabama and play for the Crimson Tide next fall.
The pair is the first members of the Tide’s recruiting class for 2005. They will also be the first group of newcomers to benefit from the recently completed Jerry Pate Golf Center at the Ol’ Colony Golf Complex.
“We are excited about adding both of these young ladies to our program,” said Palmer. “Both of them are ranked among the nation’s top prep players and both possess a wealth of national junior golf tournament experience. With the addition of these two players, we are already seeing the benefits of the Jerry Pate Center.”
Goodwin, a native of Birmingham, Ala., is a standout golfer from Briarwood Christian High School. A five-time all-state golf honoree, she was also a member of the 2002 5A State Championship soccer squad. Goodwin also captured the 2002 Girl’s State golf title including a career low round of 68. She is currently ranked 50th in country by the Sagarin Prep golf rankings.
“Laura is a super player that hits the ball a long way,” said Palmer. “She has a great passion for the game of golf and the University of Alabama, as both her parents graduated from UA. Laura is a tremendous all-around athlete having also played soccer in high school. She will be a great addition to our golf team.”
Bunnell, a native of Germantown, Tenn., is a letterwinning linkster at St. Benedict at Auburndale High School. A regular at national summer amateur events, she has twice qualified for the USGA’s US Girl’s Junior Championship. She has guided her squad to four straight Div. II Regional Championships and three times been named “Best of Preps” in girl’s golf. Bunnell has ranked among the Top junior golfers in Tennessee for the past four years and currently ranks 58th in the country on the Sagarin Prep golf rankings.
“Taylor is what I like to call a golf-a-holic,” said Palmer. “She simply loves to play the game of golf. She has a solid all-around game and is an extremely focused player on the course. Taylor is not only mentally strong but also very physically strong golfer. We feel like she is an outstanding addition to our program.”
Both Goodwin and Bunnell signed with Alabama during the NCAA’s Early Signing period from Nov. 10-17. Their future Crimson Tide teammates are currently in the midst of their winter break from competition. Alabama returns to the course for competition in Miami on Feb. 20-22.
