The ASU women's golf team finished in 18th place last week at the NCAA Fall Preview in West Lafayette, Ind.
While it was not the type of finish the Sun Devils were looking for, it was not disastrous for a team that underwent major leadership changes in the months leading up to the start of the season.
The first change came in mid-July when Melissa McNamara, who spent the last two seasons at Tulsa, was named ASU's new head coach. The second came Sept. 11 when McNamara appointed former Sun Devil Missy Farr-Kaye as an assistant.
"Melissa McNamara and I have known each other for over 20 years, and I think we will compliment each other very well," Farr-Kaye said. "We both won national championships and we both have similar standards and goals."
Farr-Kaye, a graduate of Phoenix Xavier College Preparatory, played in Tempe from 1985-1990. She recorded five top-10 finishes during her collegiate career.
Farr-Kaye captured the Trojan-Desert Bruin Classic in 1986. She was a second-team All-Pac-10 selection and also was a two-time Phoenix City champion. Farr-Kaye finished her time with the Sun Devils on a high note by helping them win the 1990 national championship, the first of an eventual six titles.
After graduating in 1990 with a bachelors degree in organizational communication, Farr-Kaye played professionally and later became the club professional at the Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale. She regained her amateur status in 1996 and played in numerous amateur events. She twice won the Arizona State Amateur Championship and also emerged victorious at the 2002 Arizona Women's Open.
"It's just a thrill to be here as an assistant coach," Farr-Kaye said. "This University, this athletics department, and especially the golf program, are very special to me, and always have been."
Farr-Kaye, who has never traveled far from her roots, still resides in Scottsdale with her husband, Steve. They have two sons, Dalton (9) and Riley (5).
The Sun Devils have high expectations this fall with McNamara and Farr-Kaye in tow. They will compete in the Dick McGuire Invitational, beginning Thursday in Albuquerque, N.M.
"We both know this program can be the best in the country, and that's where we want to take it together," Farr-Kaye said.
Reach the reporter at katie.crane@asu.edu.
