No. 2 Arkansas Off to Strong Start at NCAA Columbus Regional
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The second-ranked Razorbacks shot a 6-under par 282 in the opening round of the NCAA Columbus Regional at the Ohio State University Golf Club on Monday.
The Hogs were led by senior Kendall Todd, who turned in a flawless 5-under 67 and sits at T2 after the first 18 holes.
“Kendall was so solid today,” head coach Shauna Taylor said. “A bogey free round is a testament to her ball hitting and she made a few putts for birdie. She also saved some pars, which is important to do out here.”
The top three seeds – Arkansas, LSU and Ohio State – are the top three after the first round and will play together again in the second round on Tuesday as the teams continue to look to be among the five teams that will advance to the NCAA Championships in Carlsbad, California later this month.
The Razorbacks got to 3-under after the first five holes, however that was offset when sophomore Maria José Marin bogeyed Nos. 6, 7 and 8. On the back nine, José Marin shot an Arkansas-best 33 to finish the day at 2-under and tied for 10th place.
Freshman Clarisa Temelo parred eight of nine holes to start her day and birdied the par 5 No. 4. Temelo finished even on the back nine with back-to-back bogeys on Nos. 9 and 10 then two birdies in her last three holes.
Arkansas, 1-over par and tied for sixth headed into No. 16, made seven birdies over its last three holes to jump up to sole possession of second place. Three Hogs, Temelo, José Marin and junior Reagan Zibilski, birdied the par 4 No. 16.
“I’m proud of the way we finished as we played the last three holes 7-under,” Taylor said. “We want to build on our finish today as we start tomorrow. It looks like rain all day so it’s important that we remain patient in our process and decision making.”
The forecast from the National Weather Service calls showers throughout Monday night and into the morning, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
The Razorbacks will tee off the second round on Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. and will be paired with Ohio State and LSU.
The Buckeyes (-9, 1st) led for most of the day on their home course and LSU sits in third at 4-under, two shots behind Arkansas.
The Razorbacks
T2. Kendall Todd 67 (-5)
T10. Maria José Marin 70 (-2)
T13. Clarisa Temelo 71 (-1)
T35. Reagan Zibilski 74 (+2)
T44. Abbey Schutte 75 (+3)
For more information on Arkansas women’s golf, follow @RazorbackWGolf on social media.
