Forrest Little’s Julie McCarthy can take a lot of confidence from a tied-14 result at the Moon Golf Invitational where three Auburn players finished inside the top-20 at Suntree Country Club.
McCarthy was competing as an individual this week having struggled for form and fitness through much of last year. The Dubliner had opened with a three-under par round of 69 before adding a 74 on day two and signing off with a one-over par 73.
Through three rounds, McCarthy carded 10 birdies in total and although she finished at even-par having raced into the red on day one, it was a big step in the right direction for the Senior, who earned a name check from her coach after an encouraging week’s work.
“We didn’t play poorly at all this week. Just didn’t catch fire,” Auburn head coach Melissa Luellen said. “I’m very pleased with three players in the top-20, especially Julie (McCarthy).
“We wanted to be in the hunt for Anne and Dan Moon but not to be this time. They have truly created a wonderful collegiate tournament with a very strong field.”
As a team, Auburn finish tied seventh with Elm Park’s Anna Foster posting a closing 74 that included two birdies for a five-over total and a tie for 37th.
Louisville’s Mairead Martin carded a final round 76 for a 15-over tally while Miami’s Sara Byrne produced a 76 of her own, the best round of an otherwise disappointing week for the Douglas talent.
In the Tchefuncta Invitational, Tramore’s Little Rock convert Anna Dawson tied-17th after adding a closing 77 to a brace of 76s – her 16-over tally was 13 back of the winning mark.
And in the men’s Watersound Invitational, Louisville’s Max Kennedy signed for two birdies in a one-over 73 to finish inside the top-50 at seven-over par. Wake Forest’s Mark Power was three shots worse off after closing with a 75.
Leave a comment