The No. 17 ranked Oregon women’s golf team has a lot to look forward to in its upcoming spring season following a historic start in fall 2013. From boasting a 50-17 record to placing top six in every event, the Ducks have not only exceeded expectations from a statistical stand point, but have also showed a high level of potential moving forward.
The team averaged a 295.4 round average — almost full four strokes fewer than the full-season program record and showcased three golfers whose stroke averages were below 73.6 — which would rank in the top five in program history if final. They return four upperclassmen for the upcoming season and three upcoming freshman.
Aside from their latest top 25 ranking according to Golfstats.com, the Ducks have also been focusing on improving their recent fifth place finish at the Pac-12 tournament. The Pac-12 has traditionally been a place of highly competitive teams in the realm of women’s golf and the Ducks have responded by increasing their workouts and focus. In addition to eight-hour work days, the Ducks have also made it a point of emphasis to up their individual practice as well as individual training regimens.
The Ducks are set to open the fall season on Feb. 15-16 at the Peg Barnard Collegiate in Stanford, Calif. With a mindset centered on steady improvement throughout the season and peaking at the right time, the Ducks will ultimately be looking to reach the NCAA championships for the third time under head coach Ria Scott. This will essentially begin and end with the newly risen trio in junior Cassey Isagawa, sophomore Caroline Inglis and freshman Cathleen Santoso.
Last season, the most consistent leader for the Ducks was Isagawa, who is a returning two-time All-Pac-12 selection. She posted a team-low round average of 72.33 (UO full-season record) and carded under par in seven events last season. Isagawa’s best finishes came at Dick McGuire Invitational, where she finished first and the Pac-12 Preview, where she finished third. The Ducks will once again be looking her way for another notable season.
For Inglis, it has been a story of steady progression. After finishing strong in her freshman debut, Inglis recorded a pair of top-five finishes and was among the most consistent players for the Ducks with a 73.46 round average as a sophomore. With another full season ahead, Inglis is looking to improving her already notable start to her collegiate career.
Lastly, Santoso has without a doubt been the most notable out of the underclassmen thus far. In addition to being the only Duck to place in the top 20 in every event, Santoso also boasted a 73.53 stroke average and played seven rounds under par. For a freshman that has had minimal experience on the collegiate level, the Ducks can expect a similar outing this upcoming season.
As the Ducks prepare for their season-opener in California, they can expect nothing short of six regular season events away from home before the Pac-12 championships. But despite not hosting any events at home this season, the Ducks will be focusing on preparing for the the NCAA Championships which will be hosted by Tulsa, Okla., at the Tulsa Country Club from May 20-23. If the Ducks manage to reach the NCAA Championships this year, it will be their second-consecutive appearance after placing 22nd last year in Athens, Ga.
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