Women’s Golf Finish Third

The University of Central Oklahoma women’s golf team finished third at their annual Grace Shin Invitational golf tournament Tuesday afternoon.  

The Grace Shin Invitational holds special meaning for Central Oklahoma. The tournament is named in honor of Grace Shin, a former UCO women’s golf player who passed away in 2018 after a three-year battle with cancer. Since 2021, the Bronchos have hosted the event in her memory.

UCO women’s golf head coach Michael Bond said, “For our program, it’s a small way for us to honor her legacy by making it the Grace Shin Invite.” 

Central Oklahoma shot a 4-over-par 288 in Monday’s round and a 14-over-par 298 on Tuesday for a 18-over-par total score of 586. Central Missouri won the tournament at 12-over-par, carding rounds of 284 and 296 for a final score of 580.

After the opening round, UCO held first place with a four-shot lead over Central Missouri. “We played well and had a chance to win. It came down to the last two holes. It felt good to be in that position,” said women’s golf head coach Michael Bond. 

In the final two holes, UCO recorded four bogeys, while Arkansas Tech—who finished second— went three under in their last three holes. “We came up short, which is frustrating, but as a program we have to learn from it and prepare for the next one,” Bond said.

Broncho junior Scarlet Sturch finished third on the leaderboard with an even-par 142, shooting rounds of 72 and 70. “I think it’s definitely a start. I’m still learning how to put my mental and physical game together. It takes a lot of time and patience. There’s always room for improvement and I’m very excited to see what our team can do this season,” Sturch said.

Behind Sturch, Makaylee Cowan and Grace Hall tied for 14th overall with a 4-over-par score of 146. Cowan shot 74 on Monday and 72 on Tuesday, while Hall carded rounds of 68 and 78. Sophomore Layne Ailshie shot 74 and 78 for a final score of 10-over-par 152 and junior Estela Castillo finished with rounds of 75 and 87 for a 20-over-par 162.

Two freshmen competed as individuals for the Bronchos. Reagan Plank placed 18th with rounds of 70 and 77 for a 147 total, while Faith Principato finished with rounds of 80 and 78 for a final score of 158.

The Bronchos will compete next week at the Midwest Classic at Mules National Golf Club in Warrensburg, Missouri. Coach Bond says that this tournament is their conference preview. “We’ll see a couple of teams we haven’t faced yet this year.”