It was a story from earlier this week that slipped through the net here at IGM Towers but better late than never, right? Douglas’ Miami convert, Sara Byrne contributed to college history this week, matching the programme record for the lowest individual round with an incredible eight-under par 64.
Firing seven birdies and an eagle over 18 holes, the Cork native helped the University of Miami to the second lowest score in program history and secured a runner-up result for the team at the Briar’s Creek Invitational.
“Honestly, it still hasn’t sunk in properly, but today was just one of those days that it just clicked,” Byrne said. “I hit some really good irons and holed some good putts. After my day yesterday I was so confused, as I knew coming into the competition I was playing really well. Today, I literally just forgot about everything swing related and committed to every shot and it worked. I was just chilling out there today, not thinking too much, just swinging.
“To know that I tied for the school record really is just an amazing feeling right now,” Byrne added. “To do it in my freshman year just makes it that much better. I’m delighted to have helped the team to a second place finish. It’s always nice to climb the leaderboard a bit on the final day.”
The tally ties current pro and 2016 national runner-up Dewi Weber, who set the mark on Oct. 10, 2016 at the Betsy Rawls Invitational. Overall, Freshman Byrne placed 30th among individuals at nine-over-par, rising 44 positions on Tuesday. As a team, the Hurricanes entered the final round 13 strokes behind tournament leader and host, College of Charleston, at 26-over-par, Miami collectively shot 16-under, 272 in the third. Overall, the Hurricanes ended the event at 10-over-par, just one stroke behind the Cougars.
“We were thrilled today,” Miami head coach Patti Rizzo said. “We know that this is what this team is capable of, but obviously, we have to become better wind players. I think they’re good up to a two-club wind, but when it gets to be a four-club wind, they don’t trust themselves enough.
“Needless to say, we had a really great finish and it puts us on a high for our next tournament,” Rizzo added. “I’m very proud of all of them. They hung in there and never gave up. This is one of the lowest rounds we’ve ever had, I wish every day could be like today.”
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