The young and the old showed up today for the Florida women’s golf team, as the Gators finished in a tie for third out of the 18-team field to advance to the NCAA Championship.
Redshirt freshman Elin Esborn led of the team in round three, as she scorched the course to the tune of a 4-under day. She closed the Regional at 3 under and in a tie for 12th.
Head coach Emily Glaser had some high praise for Esborn.
“I think she's just scratched the surface of how good she can be,” Glaser said in a release.
Not far behind Esborn was senior Taylor Tomlinson. The Gainesville native rode her experience to a 4 over round, closing in a tie for 29th at 4 over.
Spring phenom Sierra Brooks was on the senior’s heels. The sophomore transfer finished the day at 1 over. That put her in a tie for 34th at 5 over.
Freshman Addie Baggarly was next as she shot a 2 over to finish at 6 over in a tie for 38th.
Bringing up the rear for the Gators was sophomore Marta Perez. The Spaniard went 6 over on the day, closing at 10 over and in a tie for 49th.
Glaser wasn’t thoroughly impressed with her team’s play, but was overall satisfied. Headed into the next round, the Gators will have to lean on talent, as experience is an element they lack.
“It wasn't our best week, but we are advancing and that is the number one goal,” Glaser said in a release. “Four of our five players will be playing in their first National Championship and I am really excited for them to have this opportunity.”
Florida begins play on May 18th in Stillwater, Oklahoma, at Karsten Creek Golf Club.
You can follow Chris O’Brien on Twitter @THEChrisOB and contact him at cobrien@alligator.org.
Redshirt sophomore Elin Esborn helped UF to a fourth-place finish at the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invite, placing in a tie for seventh and ending the tournament at 1 over.