Buffs Named Golfweek Team of the Week
BOULDER-Coming off the most dominant performance in program history, the University of Colorado women's golf team earned National Team of the Week honors by Golfweek, the publication announced Thursday.
The Buffaloes won the 2012 Clover Cup, hosted by Notre Dame in Mesa, Ariz., by 31 strokes with a team score of 277-281-297'855, well ahead of second place Oklahoma (886). The Buffs first round 277 was a school record and the first time CU had finished 10 or more strokes below par in a round (-11), while the second round 281 marked the third-best round in school history.
Perhaps more impressively, the Buffs finished 1-2-3 in the final individual standings and had four golfers in the top six. The Buffs were led by senior Jess Wallace, who won her second career event, and followed closely by sophomore Alex Stewart in second and senior Emily Talley in third. Sophomore Jenny Coleman finished tied for sixth. It marked the first time CU has had more than two golfers finish in the top five and more than three golfers finish in the top 10 in an event.
Each of those four golfers shot one round in the 60s, the first time in program history more than two golfers had shot in the 60s in a single tournament, with two each accomplishing the feat in both the first and second round, the first two times CU has had two golfers in the 60s in the same round.
After two breezy but warm days, the final day provided three weather delays and ballooned scores across the board with wind, rain and hail. CU kept its composure and still posted the best round by six strokes, winning the eighth tournament in school history and second this season. Wallace's medalist honor was the seventh win in CU history and second in as many events as she joined Stewart, who won the 2012 Sugar Bowl last month.
Based on its performance, CU achieved its best ranking in both polls, moving up to No. 11 in Golfweek and No. 14 in Golfstat. Prior to this spring, the Buffs best ranking had been No. 19 in Golfweek and No. 17 in Golfstat. Individually, Stewart (No. 38 Golfweek, No. 41 Golfstat), Talley (49/50) and Wallace (74/84) give CU three golfers in the top 100 simultaneously for the first time.
Next up for the Buffs is a trip to Maui, Hawai'i, to play in the Anuenue Spring Break Challenge on Monday and Tuesday. It will then be off to the postseason for the Buffs, starting with the squad's first trip to the Pac-12 Championships, hosted by Washington State April 27-29. CU then plays host to the NCAA West Regional at Colorado National Golf Club May 10-12.
The Buffs are looking for volunteers for the West Regional, including but not limited to live scorers, hospitality and merchandising and shuttle services. People can sign up at www.cubuffs.com/golfvolunteers.