After a four round tournament University of the Cumberlands women’s golf members Emma Cutmore (Essex, England) and McKinzie Price (Somerset, KY) have gained some much needed experience playing in the NAIA National Tournament in Rapid, City, South Dakota. Both Cutmore and Price earned at large bids to participate; the Patriots women’s golf team fell short in the bid by only a small margin.

“It was a great learning experience for all three of us,” said University of the Cumberlands head golf coach Chris Kraftick.

Price began the tournament with a 79, followed by 88 and a pair of 86’s to end the four round competition for a total of 339. Cutmore shot 88, 82, 89, and 84 totaling 343. Price finished in 82nd place while Cutmore finished in 86th.

“The girls did not play extremely well, but they gained some valuable experiences and lessons that will help our team next year,” said Kraftick. “We even went back on Friday afternoon to watch the final groups finish, which was great to watch and learn.”

The tournament was won by British Columbia who shot an impressive 72 strokes over par for the four day tournament as a team. Individually the tournament was won by Nathalie Silva of California Baptist who shot 74, 76, 75, and 76 totaling 301.

The Patriots will continue to work over the summer and will also be adding new recruits in order to land their team at the National Tournament next season. For more information on this tournament and the women’s golf program at Cumberlands visit www.ucumberlands.edu/athletics.

Article Provided by Katie Akins, University of the Cumberlands Sports Information Student Assistant