Feb. 27, 2009

The University of Memphis women's golf team will travel to Pinehurst, N.C. this weekend to compete in the Pinehurst Challenge hosted by College of Charleston. The tournament is being held on the 5,967 yard, par 71 Pinehurst #6 course.

Rachel Larson looks to build off the momentum she got going in the final two rounds of the Lady Tigers' last tournament, the Qdoba Invitational. In that competition, Larson fired consecutive rounds of 75 to close out the tournament, giving her a three-round total of 230. Larson placed just outside the top-20, tying for 22nd. She also looks to repeat her performance at the C of C Pinehurst Challenge from last year. In 2008, Larson fired rounds of 83-75-72 to lead the Lady Tigers and place 16th individually.

"Rachel is still playing extremely well," said Lady Tiger head coach Beth Harrelson. "Her short game is absolutely wonderful right now, and I think that she'll be able to build off her strong finish at Miami's tournament."

Marissa Steen will also try to use the last round of the Qdoba Invitional as a building block for this week. Steen posted a final round 77, her lowest of the competition, to finish with a three-round total of 235, good for 37th place.

Memphis will again be facing stiff competition this week, as the 20-team field contains 15 of the nation's top-100 teams, including seven of the top-50. The field for the C of C Pinehurst Challenge is as follows: #93 Augusta State, #49 Baylor, #61 Campbell, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, College of Charleston, #49 East Carolina, #69 East Tennessee State, #47 Furman, #96 James Madison, Marshall, #91 Maryland, Memphis, #86 UNC-Greensboro, #67 UNC-Wilmington, #29 Ohio State, #95 Stetson, #31 TCU, #13 Vanderbilt, and #94 Western Carolina.

"I always think it's great to play against tough competition," said Coach Harrelson. "Playing against good teams will do nothing but help us."

Along with the tough competition, the Lady Tigers will be facing some tough weather conditions as well. For Sunday's practice round, Memphis will have to battle through rain. Monday's forecast shows a high of only 38 degrees, along with heavy snow showers throughout the day.

"Playing in cold, rainy-snow type weather is always mentally challenging," said Coach Harrelson. "But, if we have to play in it, so does everyone else."

The Lady Tigers tee off in the College of Charleston Pinehurst Challenge Monday, March 2 at 9:00 a.m. (CT). Keep up with the action at www.gotigersgo.com.