Women's golf heads to Ann Arbor for Wolverine Invite

The IU women’s golf team will get its season underway this weekend at the Wolverine Invitational in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Hoosiers will play 36 holes Saturday and 18 holes Sunday. IU will be competing against 17 other teams including Big Ten opponents Michigan and Northwestern.

With the season getting underway, the only certainty is what to expect from the Michigan golf course.

“Love the Michigan golf course. It’s a very firm test,” IU coach Clint Wallman said. “The challenge to Michigan has always been the greens. Hole locations can be very tricky there, so having some tournament experience there is a big key for us.”

While the Hoosiers do have some experience on the course, this will be the first time participating in the Wolverine Invitational with this group of players.

“This will be a brand new tournament for them even though it’s been a staple on our schedule,” Wallman said.

Wallman said he believes the Hoosiers will be ready for the task after an outstanding qualifying that was “very spirited,” in which the top five players made the lineup.

Sophomore Pamela Burneski earned the No. 1 spot after the week of qualifying. In 2009, Burenski finished the season third on the team in stroke average.

Sophomore Kate Coons will fill the No. 2 spot, and freshman Sophie Hayashi will make her collegiate debut at the No. 3.

Rounding out the lineup will be sophomore Jacqueline Yanch and junior Kristtini Cain.
“I’m excited about this. The girls will be jazzed to get up there and get after it,” Wallman said. “The chemistry amongst the team is great, there is a lot of optimism and all of these girls are playing really well, and we’re looking forward to getting off to a strong start this weekend.”

— Ben Baroff