The Iowa State Cyclones head to Norman, Oklahoma, for the sixth straight year to attend the Schooner Fall Classic.
After the Cyclones kicked off their season by taking third in the Wolverine Invitational, they are gearing up to face five Big 12 opponents this weekend.
Senior Pammy Chookaew had major success in the Wolverine Invitational, shooting one over in her final round, to put her at a total of five under with three bogeys. Chookaew is now looking to take home the gold again this weekend at the Schooner Classic.
Chookaew last year tied for fifth in Norman and is looking to continue her success on the Belmar course this year. Sophomore Alexandra Vidal is also looking for a strong finish this weekend, as last year she tied for 28th and took the Cyclones’ second spot, shooting a one-over round in just her second collegiate tournament.
The Cyclones have placed in the top 10 every year they have attended the Schooner Classic. In last year’s tournament, they tied for seventh place with Oklahoma State. Due to the weather, the teams were only able to play 36 holes, but they are prepared for all 54 this year.
Iowa State’s competition features 16 teams, including two top-25 Big 12 opponents: No. 22 Oklahoma State and No. 25 TCU.
This week’s lineup includes Chookaew, senior Karisa Chul-Ak-Sorn, junior Keeley Marx, sophomore Nichakorn Pinprayoon, Vidal and sophomore Isabella Yan, with only one returner from last year’s roster.
The Schooner Fall Classic was started in 2013 by the late country music star Toby Keith. Passionate fan and advocate of college golf, Keith co-owned Belmar Golf Club and presented the team champion with a signed guitar each year until he died in 2024. This event continues in his honor, and the proceeds benefit the Toby Keith Foundation, which supports children battling cancer.
The opponents participating in the Schooner Fall Classic are Arkansas State, Florida State, Georgia, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas State, Oklahoma, No. 22 Oklahoma State, Oral Roberts, No. 25 TCU, Texas State, Tulane, Tulsa, UCF, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin.
All three rounds of the Schooner Fall Classic will be played at Belmar Golf Club in Norman (par 70, 6,182 yards).
Founded in 2022, the Belmar course can be discouraging as it is short, but it can be an excellent feature, with holes ranging from 65 to 115 yards in length. It is a great setting for beginners, juniors and families to learn the game in a relaxed atmosphere.
The course features Bermuda grass fairways and bent grass greens. Designed by Tripp Davis, the elevation changes and the weaved direction through the surrounding homes present a unique challenge. This course will allow the Cyclones the opportunity to showcase their short game skills on the putting and chipping greens.
The tournament will begin Saturday and continue into Monday, playing 18 holes a day.
Each team will have five golfers and count the four best scores. The first Cyclone will tee off at 9:00 a.m. CT Saturday.
Live scoring and final results will be posted on Clippd.
