Karlsson leads women’s golf team at Ralph Hargett Memorial

By Adam Hunt | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo by Dyann Busse

Flagler women’s golf posted a sixth-place finish in its final tournament outing before the Peach Belt Conference Championships.

The Saints, ranked 24th in the NCAA Division II national rankings, carded a 654 at the 17-team Ralph Hargett Memorial.

Flagler head coach Santiago Cavanagh was pleased with his team’s effort throughout the event.

“It was a tough course that played very differently to the courses we play in Florida but I was proud of the way the girls kept fighting,” he said.

Senior Elin Karlsson led Flagler after the first day with a four-over 76 — good for a tie of third place.

But the hilly 5,823-yard Olde Sycamore Golf Course proved a stern test for the Saints on the second day. Karlsson carded an 86 to round out the event in 21st place with an overall score of 162.

Fellow senior Lauren Benetti finished three shots back in 29th place with a 21-over 165.

Freshman Nicole Keyser and senior Leslie Choucard both fired the same final score – a 22-over 166.

Freshman Marie Santacroce rounded out the Saints with a 27-over 151.

“We have strong team of players that can play well,” said Flagler captain Choucard. “We just need to believe in ourselves.”

UNC Pembroke’s Meghan Moore clinched the title with a pair of 76s in the 36-hole event. She narrowly beat Barry’s Daniela Murphy by just one shot and four players were tied for third at 10-over.

In the team standings, Flagler’s Florida rivals Barry claimed the trophy by 14-strokes. Columbus State finished second and Queens University of Charlotte finished third.

Flagler is finalizing their preparations for the Peach Belt Conference Championships which begin on April 9.

Cavanagh understands the importance of this period of the season.

“We are getting to the crucial time in the year when we want to play our best golf,” he said.