Sept. 20, 2009
The University of New Mexico’s bid to make it two in a row at the 30th Branch Law Firm / Dick McGuire Invitational at the UNM Championship Course (par 73, 6,187 yards) came up just short, individually and as a team.
UNM senior Jodi Ewart made a furious charge in the final round with birdies on six of the final 10 holes, but fell one shot shy of defending her individual title. That honor went to Oregon junior Kendra Little, who set a McGuire record with a 12-under 207.
Playing at the UNM Championship Course for the first time, Little shot 5-under 68 for the second straight round to claim medalist honors.
Ewart matched Little’s 68 to finish at 11-under 208 (69-71-68). Both golfers had five birdies on the back nine for a sizzling 31.
Ewart’s 208 is a New Mexico record for 54 holes. The previous mark was 209 by Ryley Webb at the 2001 MWC Championships in Sunriver, Ore.
“I didn’t start off great, but every time I got on the green I thought I could make a putt,” said Little of her record-breaking performance and third collegiate win. “This course sets up well for me because I hit it pretty long off the tee.”
It was a special time for Ewart as well. Her parents – Harvey and Zoe – showed up unannounced on their daughter’s Albuquerque doorstep Wednesday evening. They made the flight from Manchester, England, to watch their only child for the first time in a collegiate tournament.
As a team, the Lobos just couldn’t sustain the wave that is Pepperdine.
The visitors from Malibu, Calif., won the McGuire for the second time – also in 2005 – in record-setting fashion. The 12th-ranked Waves posted an 859 total (17-under), besting the previous tournament standard by a whopping 12 strokes. UNM shot 871 in 2003.
Today, No. 21 New Mexico logged a 6-under 286 for the second consecutive round, finishing seven strokes behind Pepperdine at 866 (10-under).
The 866 total ranks No. 4 all-time by a Lobo team for 54 holes.
The Waves had three golfers finish in the top-nine led by junior Taylore Karle’s third-place finish at 211. Karle set the tone early with five birdies in her first six holes.
“It was just outstanding,” said Pepperdine head coach Laurie Gibbs of her team’s final round 284 (8-under par). “I am very proud of them. I had no doubt we could play very well and we put together two very solid tournaments.”
The McGuire victory was Pepperdine’s second in the past six days. It also won the Golfweek Conference Challenge in Primm, Nev., earlier this week.
New Mexico sophomore Rebecca Hellbom started the final round in 17th place but roared all the way to a fifth-place tie after posting a 4-under 69. She ended the tournament at 4-under 215 (76-70-69).
Senior Britney Choy also recorded a top-10 finish, shooting even-par 73 today to finish at 2-under 217 (74-70-73).
“I couldn’t be more proud of the way we battled to the very end,” said UNM head coach Jill Trujillo. “Pepperdine just had an outstanding tournament.”
Freshman Bethany Buchner tied for 33rd at 226 (75-75-76). Sophomore Sarah Salvo finished at 236 (77-79-80).
A pair of Lobos played as individuals. Sophomore Erin Miller shot 236 (78-79-79) while junior Jordan Kennon finished at 245 (83-84-78).
The Lobos’ next competition is Oct. 5-6 at the Windy City Collegiate at Evanston, Ill.
Dick McGuire Records Set in 2009
Team
Low 3rd round: 284, Pepperdine (old record: 286, Arizona State, 1994)
Low 36 holes: 575, Pepperdine (old record: 576, New Mexico, 2003)
Low 54 holes: 859, Pepperdine (old record: 871, New Mexico, 2003)
Individual
Low 3rd-round: 68 (tied), Jodi Ewart, New Mexico; Kendra Little, Oregon; and Lauren Weaver, Northwestern. (old record of 68 set five times previous)
Low 54-hole: 207, Kendra Little, Oregon (old record: 209, Kelly Froelich, Georgia, 2004)