March 12, 2010
NEW ORLEANS – Taking to the course for the first time since co-hosting the Kinderlou Forest Challenge March 1-2, the University of Kentucky women’s golf team heads to New Orleans for the Tiger/Wave Classic held at English Turn Golf and Country Club (6,132 yards, par 72) March 12-14.
A 54-hole event hosted by LSU and Tulane, the Wildcats are set to play 18 holes each day. Kentucky kicks off competition Friday at 8:50 a.m. EST when freshman Ashleigh Albrecht tees off on No. 10. The remaining Kentucky golfers tee off every 10 minutes after on No. 10.
“We are looking forward to the tournament in New Orleans,” head coach Myra Blackwelder said. “We have taken advantage of the wonderful weather we have had over the last week and have gotten in some quality practice. The girls have focused particularly on their short game, as well as playing several rounds to sharpen their scoring skill.”
Youth will lead the Wildcats at the event as they are set to start one senior, one sophomore, and three freshmen. Senior Kristin Vincent, sophomore Ashlee Rose, and freshmen Albrecht and Betsie Johnson make their third appearance of the season, while freshman Heather Lott enters the spring lineup for the first time.
“We are playing a young line up at LSU,” Blackwelder said. “Heather Lott will be returning to the starting five after two solid rounds in practice this weekend. She is looking forward to competing in her home state of Louisiana.”
Last time out, Kentucky co-hosted the Kinderlou Forest Challenge at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta, Ga., with Kennesaw State. The Wildcats finished 15th at the event after posting a 953 (313-322-318). With a 31st-place finish, Johnson led the squad at 12-over-par 231 (74-79-78).
At the 2009 LSU Golf Classic, Kentucky capped off a record-breaking performance with an 8th-place finish. The Cats fired an 880 (293-299-288) at the event, marking the lowest three-round total for the squad under Blackwelder’s direction. The third-round 288 stands as the second-best single round in school history.
Joining Kentucky at the Tiger/Wave Classic are Arkansas, Auburn, College of Charleston, Furman, Georgia, Louisville, LSU, Mississippi State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, North Carolina-Wilmington, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Purdue, Tennessee, TCU, Tulane, UCF, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Wake Forest.
Live stats for the Tiger/Wave Classic are available at golfstat.com. Complete information for the event is available at tulanegreenwave.com.
After the Tiger/Wave Classic, the Wildcats travel to Dove Canyon, Calif., March 29-30 for the 2010 Anteater Invitational.
Stay tuned to UKathletics.com for complete coverage of the Kentucky women’s golf team and the Tiger/Wave Classic.
