Kentucky Women’s Golf Adds Nielsen to 2018-19 Roster
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky women’s golf team added important talent and depth to its 2018-19 roster with the addition of Rikke Svejgård Nielsen on Tuesday.
Nielsen, out of Esbjerg, Denmark, signed a national letter of intent with UK and will join the Wildcats in the fall as a freshman. She will be a welcomed addition for a team that will have to replace three pillars of the program with the departures of Isabelle Johansson, Grace Rose and Ale Walker
“I am so thankful that we could add Rikke to our team this August,” UK head coach Golda Borst said. “I love the commitment and dedication she’s shown to our program throughout the recruiting process. Rikke is a great student, competitor and person, and I believe that she will have an immediate impact on our team.”
Nielsen was a late bloomer on the golf scene in Europe, but a talented one nonetheless.
Initially a strong swimmer, Nielsen quickly moved up the golfing ranks in Europe after picking up the game in 2012. She’s been a steady competitor in major European tournaments since with 11 recognized top-10 finishes to her name.
“A lot of things played a part in me signing with UK: One of the main reasons was Golda, the level of the team and UK being a part of the SEC,” Nielsen said. “Golda and I have a really good chemistry and I like how she handles the team, which I’m honored to be a part of and contribute to. The location provides me with a longer season than I have back home in Denmark and everyone is very professional in their work. I just have a really good impression of all of it and that’s why I chose to sign with Kentucky.”
Nielsen is ranked No. 250 in the European golf rankings and has been ranked inside the top 1,000 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, a collection of amateurs of all age groups across the globe.
Among Nielsen’s most notable finishes include placing third at the Danish Matchplay Championships in 2017 and fourth at the Danish Strokeplay Championships in 2016. She placed 20th in a stacked field at the French International Ladies Stroke Play in October with a total score of 2-over par. Other top finishes include third place at the Knroborg Masters, fourth at the Wilbroe Cup and fourth at the Solvogn Pokalen.
“I’m so happy and super exited that I’m going to Kentucky in the fall,” Nielsen said. “I am really looking forward to meeting all the people, being on campus and feeling the vibe at UK. The next six weeks better go by fast because I can’t wait to get there.”
For the latest on the Kentucky women’s golf team, follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, as well as on the web at UKathletics.com.
