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Golfer Byrne to play for Scotland; women's team signs Columbian star

SCOTTISH PRIDE: Senior golfer James Byrne watches a shot last season. Byrne was selected recently as the top amateur golfer in his native Scotland and will represent the country at the World Amateur in October. (Photo Courtesy of Steve Rodriguez)
SCOTTISH PRIDE: Senior golfer James Byrne watches a shot last season. Byrne was selected recently as the top amateur golfer in his native Scotland and will represent the country at the World Amateur in October. (Photo Courtesy of Steve Rodriguez)

Scottish pride: Senior golfer James Byrne watches a shot last season. Byrne was selected=

The ASU women’s golf team has bolstered its roster with the signing of Columbian golfer Daniela Ordonez.

ASU coach Melissa Luellen announced recently that Ordonez has signed her letter of intent to attend ASU.

Ordonez’s tenure in Tempe kicks off in January when she will arrive from her hometown of Bogotá, Columbia.

The Columbian is no stranger to success on the golf course. She recently placed fifth in the 2010 Columbian Open, and was the Chilean Junior Champion in 2009 and the National Columbian Junior Champion in 2008.

Luellen had the chance to watch Ordonez compete in Arizona over the summer and was impressed with her performance.

“When I did have the chance to watch her during a tournament here in Phoenix this summer, I really liked what I saw,” Luellen said. “She can get a little bit stronger physically, but great short game, great putter. You’ve got to love someone who can putt.”

Ciganda and Molinaro to Compete in World Amateur

ASU junior golfers Carlota Ciganda and Giulia Molinaro each will represent their home countries this fall at the 2010 World Amateur.

Ciganda will compete for Spain, while Molinaro will play for Italy.

Both golfers are thrilled to represent their countries this October, and enjoy the time spent with their teammates.

“I really like playing with my country because all of us are really close and we are good friends,” Ciganda said.

The World Amateur will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from October 28-31. Molinaro and Ciganda realize the honor and importance of competing in the contest.

“That’s very big, we leave for like a week and a half,” Molinaro said. “That’s probably the most important tournament for Italy and Spain.”

Small Team, Huge Potential

The Sun Devil roster has taken on a different look since the completion of last season. ASU currently has just three players on the team.

While freshman Nicole Jones recently joined the team as a walk-on, Ciganda and Molinaro are the only Sun Devils who will compete in tournament play this fall.

The ASU roster is limited due to four players from 2009-2010 not returning this season.

“We had six full scholarships students for this year and by two turning pro and two being dismissed, it left us pretty short,” Luellen said. “It was an unexpected turn of events, but this will be a small, short blip in the big picture.”

Byrne to represent Scotland

ASU men’s golfer James Byrne will lead his native Scotland in the 2010 World Amateur.

Byrne was chosen as the top amateur golfer from Scotland, and will be joined by two other golfers from his country.

Like the women’s world amateur, Byrne will travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to compete in this year’s event.  Byrne will face the daunting task of defending Scotland’s World Amateur title won last year.

Men’s Golf headed for Japan

The ASU men’s golf team opens the 2010 season overseas in Tokyo, Japan. The Sun Devils will compete in the prestigious Topy Cup along with several other college teams.

Members of the team are excited for the rare opportunity to not only travel, but to compete abroad as well.

“We go there once every four years, so it’s going to be an awesome trip,” senior golfer Scott Pinckney said. “I’m just looking forward to the experience. It’ll be pretty sweet to open up the season there.”

The Topy Cup is a three-day event that begins Sept. 9.

Reach the reporter at gregory.dillard@asu.edu


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