Women’s golfers hope for another strong performance at Onion Creek
October 30, 2010
Iowa State’s women’s golf team is heading to Austin, Texas, for Monday and Tuesday’s Challenge at Onion Creek tournament.
Iowa State broke several team and individual records at the tournament last year and will be hoping for another strong performance this time around in the final tournament of the fall.
“We played really well last year, so we are coming in with some good memories,” said coach Christie Martens. “I just hope that we all play well. I hope that we can go out and play like we know we can play. Playing good every round is what we are looking for.”
The team has had three weeks to rest and practice since their last tournament — their longest break so far. The players are now anxious to get back into competition, especially at Onion Creek, where last year they broke the course’s 54-hole record by 16 strokes with an 867. Additionally, Punpaka Phuntumabamrung shot a second-round 67, breaking the course individual record.
“We did pretty good in Texas last year — I think we can do better this year than last year because we have a greater team this year,” Phuntumabamrung said.
“I think we have a good chance to be in a good place. I hope that I can play well again this time and continue to improve.”
Laurence Herman has a lot of momentum coming into Onion Creek this year, after finishing in the top 10 in her last three tournaments.
“It feels pretty good. I had a rough start in the first tournament, but I’m glad I’ve been able to come back,” Herman said. “We’ve got one left, and I feel pretty confident that we’ll do good again.”
She placed eighth at the tournament last year and broke the individual 54-hole course record with a 212. She is looking to improve upon that mark this time around.
“I want to win, but obviously everyone does. At least top five, but winning is my goal,” Herman said.
Also competing for Iowa State will be Kristin Paulson, who is coming off her first career top 10 finish in the Lady Northern Invitational. She was recently named the Iowa Women’s Golf Association’s player of the year. She had a successful summer of golf and has competed for the Cyclones in every tournament so far this spring.
Iowa State is currently ranked 27th nationally after finishing fifth place or better in every tournament so far this season. It is the program’s best start in recent history.
The tournament kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Monday for the first 36 holes. The final 18 will be tee off at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Live scoring for the tournament can be followed at www.golfstat.com.