After a tumultuous off season that saw two golfers turn pro and two others leave the program, the ASU women’s golf team is back on the course competing against the nation’s elite.
The Sun Devils teed off in the 2010 NCAA Fall Preview this week in Bryan, Texas. Juniors Carlota Ciganda and Giulia Molinaro donned the maroon and gold in the prestigious tournament and finished 19th and 50th overall, respectively.
Despite not competing as a team, the Sun Devils were anxious to hit the links and get back to golf. With only two golfers competing, ASU took advantage of the extra attention from the coaching staff.
“We’re taking all the positives we can from the experience, and using it to our advantage,” ASU coach Melissa Luellen said. “The girls like having a coach there, they like having people there to support them, they like the feedback we’re giving. We’re doing the best we can for what we have, we’re just trying to keep it one day at a time.”
Ciganda, the reigning Pac-10 champion, struggled throughout day one of the tournament, but saved her best golf for last. Ciganda fired four birdies and four pars on the front nine of the third round and added three more birdies on the final nine to finish day three with a stellar six-under 66.
Ciganda’s score of 66 on day three ties her career-low. She previously shot a 66 at the 2009 Ping/ASU Invitational.
“Carlota played fantastic today,” Luellen said. “It was a pleasure to watch a very solid round of golf. She had a clear plan and executed brilliantly.”
After shooting a 76 and 73 to open the week, Molinaro finished the tournament with another 76 on Wednesday.
“Giulia had a couple shots get away from her,” Luellen said. “She’s actually playing quite good.”
ASU wasted no time in beginning its quest for an NCAA championship in May. The Sun Devils jumped into tough competition from day one.
The Fall Preview, hosted by Texas A&M, showcases many of collegiate golf’s most talented teams and individuals. Competing in the event were 26 of the top 30 golfers to watch according to Golfweek magazine.
“It’s great to play here because everyone is playing great,” Ciganda said. “I’m happy because I’m playing good, and I think I can do better.”
The par-72, 6,271-yard Traditions Club will also host the 2011 NCAA Championship.
The Sun Devils intend to return in May poised to win a national title with the help of a strong familiarity to the course.
“We wrote down a lot of things in our yardage guides, and shots to practice,” Luellen said. “I can already picture the courses in Phoenix that we’ll play prior to going. We have a really good idea for what to expect, and get game plans.”
Reach the reporter at gregory.dillard@asu.edu