As the sun rises over the beautiful Emerald Coast, the Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M are gearing up for an exciting challenge at the Emerald Coast Classic in Destin, Florida. This highly anticipated tournament, hosted by Missouri-St. Louis, takes place at the picturesque Baytowne Golf Club, a par 71 course stretching 6,125 yards from tee to green. With 17 teams competing, the stakes are high and the atmosphere is electric!
The participating teams include a diverse mix from across the region, featuring schools such as Arkansas-Fort Smith, Central Oklahoma, and Mississippi College among others. The Lady Buffs, currently ranked 14th with a total score of 151.59, will be aiming to improve their standing against tough competition that includes higher-ranked teams like Flagler, who sit at 3rd place with a score of 374.29.
Round 1 Tee Times
The first round kicks off on Sunday at 10:00 AM CT, and the Lady Buffs will be playing alongside Ashland and Texas A&M-Kingsville. Here are the tee times for Round 1:
- 10:45 AM – Hole 10 – Monica De Valle Pena (WT), Gracyn Vidovic (AU), Mekdes Rozas (TAMUK)
- 10:54 AM – Hole 10 – Charlee Thacker (WT), Dakota Riley (AU), Jamie Miller (TAMUK)
- 11:03 AM – Hole 10 – Kara Holm (WT), Klaira Paramore (AU), Mia Scrimgeour (TAMUK)
- 11:12 AM – Hole 10 – Sarah Reed (WT), Leeann Harker (AU), Viviana Farias (TAMUK)
- 11:21 AM – Hole 10 – Mia Hammerschmid (WT), Sammi Miller (AU), Zoe Dean (TAMUK)
WT coach Meredith Jameson has expressed optimism about the team’s preparations and is particularly excited about the return of Monica De Valle Pena to the lineup. With the right mindset and teamwork, the Lady Buffs are set to make their mark.
Baytowne Golf Club: A Unique Setting
Baytowne Golf Club is renowned as the only golf course along Florida’s Emerald Coast that stretches from the beach to the bay, designed by the talented Tom Jackson. Its stunning views and challenging layout make it an ideal venue for this prestigious tournament.
The Emerald Coast Classic is not just a local event; it’s a stepping stone for many collegiate athletes aiming for the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship held annually in May. This championship has been a platform for emerging talent since its inception in the 1981-82 school year, showcasing the best of women’s collegiate golf. With notable winners like Annika Sörenstam and Grace Park, the stakes are always high.
As the tournament unfolds, fans and supporters will be eagerly watching to see how the Lady Buffs perform against fierce competition. With their sights set on the championship, this event promises to be a thrilling showcase of athleticism and determination.
For more information about the tournament, check out the official announcement here. To keep track of team rankings and scores, visit this site. And for a deep dive into the history of collegiate golf, don’t miss the details found here.