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Women's Golf Hosts Clover Cup

Mar 10, 2021

Sun Devil Home Events in 2020-21

TEMPE, Ariz. – Sun Devil Women's Golf returns to action this weekend, hosting the Clover Cup running March 12-14 at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa.
 
Coming off a victory at the Bruin Wave Invitational, Arizona State steps in as the host of the Clover Cup for the first time, partnering with Longbow Golf Club. It is the third event in Arizona that the Sun Devils have competed in and second in the host role, previously holding an extremely competitive Sun Devil Winter Classic at Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale. 
 
"We are excited to be hosting the Clover Cup this year," Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye remarked. "There are a lot of strong teams and talented golfers in this field, so it will be another good challenge for us."
 
Limited fan attendance will be permitted, with CDC and Arizona State Health Guidelines in place. Spectators must wear a mask and follow all Longbow Golf Club COVID rules and regulations. Follow along with scoring via Golfstat by visiting this link.
 
THE FIELD
Sun Devil Women's Golf will host 12 teams and 71 total golfers at the Clover Cup. Arizona State is joined by Arizona, Cincinnati, Clemson, Colorado, Colorado State, FIU, Grand Canyon, Houston, Oklahoma, TCU, and UNLV. Four Top-25 teams in the latest Golfweek/Sagarin rankings are in the field, led by the Sun Devils at No. 5. Houston (#21), Arizona (#24), and Oklahoma (#25) bring strong lineups to Mesa, along with Top-40 TCU and Colorado.
 
Not only is there a lot of team talent, the individual field is stacked as well. Arizona State's Linn Grant came in at No. 4 in the latest Golfweek/Sagarin rankings, eclipsed in the field only by Houston's Karen Fredgaard, who is in the No. 3 slot. YuSang Hou from Arizona is also in the Top-20. Eight of the Top-100 collegiate female golfers will be at the Clover Cup, including No. 47 Ashley Menne and No. 92 Alessandra Fanali from the hometown Sun Devils.
 
THE LINEUP
Another competitive week of qualifying helped Missy Farr-Kaye select her counting five, one of the deepest lineups in the country. 
 
Once again in the No. 1 slot is Linn Grant, who looks for her fourth consecutive individual tournament title. She is backed by Alessandra Fanali, who earns a look in the No. 2 spot this week. 
 
Freshman Ashley Menne finds herself in the mix for the second straight week, claiming the No. 3 spot. Olivia Mehaffey may be one of the strongest No. 4's in the history of collegiate golf, an indicator of the strength of the lineup. 
 
Amanda Linner will get things started at the Clover Cup on the first tee in the No. 5 role. Coach Farr-Kaye will get experience for three individuals as well, with Alexandra Forsterling, Raquel Olmos, and Breyana Matthews joining the Sun Devils in Mesa. For Matthews, it represents her collegiate debut. Here is how the team will tee-off on Friday morning:
 
HOLE 1: Linn Grant – 8:36 AM MST
HOLE 1:  Amanda Linner – 8:27 AM MST
HOLE 1:  Ashley Menne – 8:18 AM MST
HOLE 1:  Olivia Mehaffey – 8:09 AM MST
HOLE 1: Alessandra Fanali – 8:00 AM MST
HOLE 1: Alexandra Forsterling (i) – 8:45 AM MST
HOLE 1: Raquel Olmos (i) – 8:54 AM MST
HOLE 10: Breyana Matthews (i) – 8:45 AM MST
 
THE COURSE
The Clover Cup will be hosted by Longbow Golf Club, located in Mesa, Arizona. Longbow Golf Club first opened in 1997 and the complete redesign was unveiled in the fall of 2003.  The redesign included a striking new clubhouse, expanded acreage and totally revamped practice facility. The 18-hole, three-day event will be Par 72 at 6,1684 yards. 
 
HISTORY AT THE CLOVER CUP
The Sun Devils last competed at the Clover Cup in 2018, earning a second-place finish at the event hosted by Notre Dame. During their National Championship season in 2017, Arizona State won the Clover Cup in March, setting up the eventual run to the title. The Maroon & Gold also took home the hardware back in 2015. If Linn Grant makes history and becomes only the second Sun Devil to win four tournaments in a row, she will be the first Sun Devil to win this event. 
 
LAST TIME OUT
For the first time in program history, Sun Devil Women's Golf claimed the team title at the Bruin Wave Invitational, hosted at The Saticoy Club March 1-3.
 
It was all Maroon & Gold in Southern California, as Linn Grant captured Individual Medalists honors as well. Arizona State swept the tournament hardware in a competitive field made up of 16-teams and 82-golfers.
 
"I am very proud of the fight in this team," Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye exclaimed after the victory. "Linn had another great performance and win leading our team!"
 
Arizona State finished strong over the final two days, carding two of the three lowest rounds of any team the field. That included a 305 to clinch the championship on Wednesday, the best round of the day. The Maroon & Gold won by a comfortable 14-stroke margin over Northwestern, finishing 20 or more strokes ahead of 12 of the 15 teams.

Linn Grant continued to add to her incredible collegiate resume, having now won the Individual Championship at four different events in her brief career. Dating back to a victory at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational last season, Grant has won or shared individual medalist honors at four consecutive events, accomplishing an incredible feat. Three of those events had ten or more teams, which puts her in elite company in program history. Grant's run of three-straight individual titles is the first since Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famer Wendy Ward's historic 1995 run. Ward claimed the PING/ASU Invitational, Pac-10 Conference Championship, and the NCAA West Regional Championship. 
  
Alessandra Fanali joined Grant in earning a spot in the Top-10, recording her fourth career Top-10 finish. Fanali moved up six spots and into a tie for seventh thanks to a solid finish. She did her best work on par five opportunities, finishing in the Top-5 in stroke average. Her 10 birdies were tied for the second-most, trailing only Linn Grant.

Making her debut as a counting score in the Arizona State lineup, Ashley Menne was part of a tournament championship team. She had the third-best score of any Sun Devil, delivering another solid performance and finishing tied for 12th. 
 
HOW TO FOLLOW
Live scoring will be provided by Golfstat at the following link. For the latest updates and information on the Clover Cup and the Sun Devil Women's Golf program, follow our Twitter/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWGolf), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/sundevilwgolf/), and visit our website (thesundevils.com).
 
PLAYER NOTES
 
LINN GRANT

  • One of the most decorated golfer's in the nation, ranked as the No. 2 individual in Golf Channel's Preseason Spring Power Rankings. 
  • Currently the No. 2-ranked female amateur in the World, reaching the highest WAGR of her career.
  • Named to the Preseason ANNIKA Award Watch List as one of the candidates for National Player of the Year back in September.
  • Managed to remain in the Top-10 of the Golfstat Individual Rankings all of last season, eventually settling at No. 8 in the final edition.
  • One of 11 recognized by the WGCA as a First Team All-American in 2020
  • Golfweek tabbed her as a Second Team All-American.
  • Earned a spot on the ANNIKA Award Spring Watch List as one of 15 finalists for National Player of the Year.
  • Finished in the Top-10 at five of her seven tournaments and carded a team-high 12 rounds under par.
  • Took home Individual Medalist honors while leading her team to a victory at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, the only Sun Devil to pick up an individual win in 2020
  • The highest finishing Sun Devil at the IJGA Collegiate Invitational in Guadalajara, putting together one of three Top-10 finishes (T-6th).
  • Played brilliantly at the Stanford Intercollegiate (-6/207), placing third individually amongst one of the strongest fields in the country. A big reason why Arizona State captured their most significant Team Championship of the season, beating out six other Top-25 teams.
  • Carded back-to-back 69's (-2) at the U.S. Women's Open, making the cut at the LPGA Major Championship. Ended the tournament with a 291 (+7), finishing in the Top-25 among the best golfers in the World in a tie for 23rd.  Among the 24 amateurs in the field, she finished with the fourth-best total, one of only six amateurs to make the cut.
  • Helped Sweden win their third-consecutive European Team Championship and also finished in sixth at the European Amateur Championships.
  • Palmer Cup champion and two-time Augusta National Women's Amateur invitee.

ALESSANDRA FANALI

  • Emerged as a reliable and consistent piece of the Sun Devil lineup, helping Arizona State finish at No. 3 in the final national polls last season.
  • Tabbed by Golfweek as a Third-Team All-American.
  • Recognized as a WGCA Honorable Mention All-American.
  • Five Top-20 finishes, highlighted by her second career Top-10.
  • Played her best golf at the end of the season, earning a tie for sixth place at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, the final tournament of 2020.
  • Individual Champion of the Duel in the Desert (-4/68), helping lead the Sun Devils to victory over Denver and No. 16 UCLA while beating out 20 other golfers for the top spot.
  • Recorded her first collegiate hole-in-one on the par-three 15th hole at the Royal Golf Club (Lake Elmo, MN) in the first round of the ANNIKA Intercollegiate.
  • Back-to-back Top-15 finishes to start the season, a sign of the breakout sophomore season that was to come.
  • Earned a 10th place finish at the Windy City Collegiate, moving-up 13 spots on the final day thanks to a 69 (-3).
  • Two rounds in the 60s, including a team-best 68 (-4) in the first round of the ANNIKA Intercollegiate.
  • 2020 WGCA All-American Scholar
  • Finished in the Top-15 at the 2020 European Amateur (13th) at the European Amateur Championships this offseason. Also represented Italy at the European Team Championships, helping them finish 2-1 in match play and in fifth place.

RAQUEL OLMOS

  • One of the Sun Devils' most experienced golfers, having played in 33 tournaments during her career including two NCAA Championships.
  • Six career Top-10 finishes on her resume, with three coming last season.
  • Proved why she has been a mainstay in the Sun Devil lineup over the past three years, putting together an excellent junior year last season.
  • Recorded three Top-10 finishes, highlighted by a fifth-place effort (-3/210) at the Stanford Intercollegiate, helping the Sun Devils claim their first Team Championship of the season.
  • Played some of her best golf towards the end of the season, earning fifth place at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, leading Arizona State to their second Team Title.
  • Highest finishing Sun Devil at the Pac-12 Preview (-5/214), placing sixth.
  • Finished in the Top-10 while helping Arizona State defeat Denver and No. 16 UCLA at the Duel in the Desert
  • Carded three rounds in the 60s, while ending five of her rounds under par.
  • 2020 WGCA All-American Scholar
  • Competed at the U.S. Women's Amateur, earning the 18th overall seed after stroke play in a field of 132 golfers.

ALEXANDRA FORSTERLING

  • Rising junior that has been a mainstay in the Sun Devil lineup over the past two season, competing in 17 of 19 events in her career.
  • Eight Top-20 finishes to her name, including three Top-10's.
  • Showed promise during a sophomore season in which she played in six of eight events
  • Finished in a tie for eight at the Duel in the Desert, helping lead the Sun Devils to victory over Denver and No. 16 UCLA.
  • Earned back-to-back Top-20 finishes to start her season.
  • Posted her second-highest career finish, tying for 11th at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate.
  • Shot her fifth-career round in the 60s during the second day of the ANNIKA Intercollegiate.
  • Consistent performer at the Windy City Collegiate, helping the Sun Devils finish five-under as a team.
  • Ended under par at two tournaments in 2020 after not doing so in 2019. 
  • 2020 WGCA All-American Scholar.
  • Represented Germany at the 2020 European Team Championships, helping them make a run to the match play finals for the first time since 2009. Went head-to-head with teammate Linn Grant and Sweden in the European Team Championship, finishing the event 2-1 in match play.

AMANDA LINNER

  • Mid-year addition to the last year's Arizona State roster, arriving prior in the 2020 Spring semester from Sweden.
  • Made an immediate impact in the Maroon & Gold, quickly earning a spot in the lineup.
  • Displayed flashes of brilliance during an abbreviated freshman campaign.
  • Competed in three tournaments and four events total, accumulating valuable experience as she looks forward to her second season in Tempe.
  • Made her Sun Devil debut at the Duel in the Desert in January, helping Arizona State defeat Denver and No. 16 UCLA to capture the event title.
  • Showed her development by earning a career-best finish (T-28th) at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, the final tournament of the season. Arizona State captured their second Team Championship at this event, the first with Linner in the lineup
  • Participated in the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur back in 2019, one of five Sun Devils to play in the prestigious event
  • Played in the 2018 AJGA's Thunderbird International Junior Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, the sight of the 2021-23 NCAA Championships.

ASHLEY MENNE

  • One of two incoming highly-touted local recruits ready to make their Sun Devil Women's Golf debut in 2021.
  • Earned five wins in six Arizona Golf Association events during her offseason. 
  • 2020 Women's State Amateur Stroke Play Champion, winning the title at Grayhawk Golf Club, the home of the 2021-23 NCAA Championships.
  • Three-time AIA Division I Individual State Champion and one of two signees out of local high school Xavier Prep.
  • Took home the 2018 state title by going four-under at Tucson National Golf Course.
  • Captured the 2017 individual state championship thanks to a three-under performance.
  • Shared medalist honors in a rain-shortened 2016 AIA championship event her freshman season.
  • In all three seasons (2016-18), she would lead the Gators to the AIA Division I Team State Championship in dominating fashion.
  • During her junior season in 2018, Xavier won the title by an incredible 33-strokes.
  • One of a select few female Arizona High School golfers that won three Division I individual state titles.
  • Received the Arizona High School Girls Golfer of the Year Award at the AZ Central Sports Awards each of the four years she was a Gator (2016-19).
  • In addition to her success at the prep level, she has also earned hardware at some of the top competitive junior events.
  • Set a record by collecting four consecutive Junior Golf Association of Arizona individual titles. As a result, she is a four-time winner of the JGAA Player of the Year Award (2016-19).
  • Three-time Jox Sports Arizona Junior Golfer of the Year (2018-20).
  • Earned 43 total victories at JGAA events in her four years prior to arriving in Tempe
  • Has ranked as high as 114th in the Women's Amateur Golf Rankings.

BREYANA MATTHEWS

  • Talented local standout who is one of two freshman phenoms out of local high school Xavier Prep.
  • Stayed busy this offseason competing in several local tournaments, including earning a victory at the Arizona Golf Association Women's Scotch Play Championship.
  • Knocked off the top-seeded golfer to reach the 2020 AGA State Amateur Match Play semi-finals.
  • Played an integral role in the Gators winning two AIA Division I State Championship in 2017 & 2018.
  • Finished in the Individual Top-15 at her final three State Championship events, highlighted by a third-place finish (+1/145) in 2018.
  • Teamed up with future Sun Devil teammate Ashley Menne to help Xavier win the 2018 title by an astounding 33 strokes.
  • Team's second-highest finisher at the 2019 State Championship, earning 14th place in a field of 73 golfers.
  • One of three Gators to finish in the Top-15 at the 2017 tournament, which Xavier won by nine strokes.
  • AZ Central tabbed her as a finalist for the Arizona High School Girls Golfer of the Year in 2018.
  • Comes to Tempe with extensive experience in national and local tournaments, having competed in AJGA and JGAA events throughout her career.
  • At the 2020 U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier in Mission Hills, Kansas, she teamed up with her partner to finish with the lowest score (68) of anyone at the regional.
  • Has compiled eight top-three finishes at JGAA events, including four victories.
  • Won the 2019 Thunderbird Invitational-PING Jr Masters at her future collegiate home, Papago Golf Course.
  • She also has titles at the 2018 Northern AZ Jr Championship, 2017 AM&E Classic - Bryce Molder Jr Masters, and the 2017 Holiday Challenge.
  • Finished second to Ashley Menne at the 2018 FCWT Junior Golf Tournament at Grayhawk Golf Club, home of the 2021-23 NCAA Championships.