Women?s Golf Begins Play at UCF Challenge
3/9/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
SORRENTO, Fla. ?? The Alabama women's golf team began play at the UCF Challenge with a six-over-294 in the first round Sunday at the Red Tail Golf Club. Alabama sits tied for 13th while Southern Cal is the leader with a seven-under-281.
The opening round was delayed for just over an hour due to frost, but the cold weather quickly moved out and the scores started to go low. Duke sophomore Alison Whitaker established the women's competitive course record with a 65 (-7) to take the round-one individual lead on the 6,301-yard layout. Whitaker birdied five of her last seven holes to card a 31 (-5) on the back nine.
Sophomore Rhea Nair led the Tide in the opening round with a 1-under-71. Nair hit a team-high four birdies on the round.
Junior Kathleen Ekey and newcomer Camilla Lennarth each shot a 1-over-73. Ekey nailed three birdies while Lennarth recorded two on the afternoon.
Sarah Sturm, the Golf World Player of the Week, opened the tournament with a five-over-77. Sturm hit two birdies but then got tripped up on the final three holes of the round. Junior Laura Goodwin rounded out the Tide golfers with a 14-over-86.
The second annual UCF Challenge will benefit the Florida Children's Hospital. The medalist from the 2008 UCF Challenge will receive a sponsor's exemption into the LPGA's Ginn Tribute hosted by ANNIKA May 26-June 1. Round two action begins at 8 a.m. ET Monday. Live results can be found on www.golfstat.com.
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