Women’s Golf Competes at Low Country Intercollegiate

By Nick Singer, Staff Writer

From March 21-23, the LIU Women’s Golf Team participated in the Low Country Intercollegiate Golf Tournament. The event was hosted by Wofford College and was held in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. 

Home to over 23 championship golf courses, Hilton Head Island is known for its beautiful courses and strong golf community. The three-day competition was held at Moss Creek, a tough course offering players both an exciting opportunity and a demanding test of skill. 

This was the team’s third competition of the season, and its lineup featured athletes Nielli Heinold, Hailey Holbdy, Vanessa Moreno Reyes, Simran Singh and Cecilia Arndt under the leadership of head coach Sara Detlefsen. 

Sophomore digital marketing and sports management major Hailey Holbdy evaluated the course and tournament.

 “We played Moss Creek, a tricky and tight course with quick greens. March is the toughest time to play courses in the south because the grass is firm and it’s windy outside,” she said.

She did note, however, how she appreciated the hospitality being shown by the golf course staff.

“The southern hospitality was great though, with all the members coming out to support us, either cheering us on or spotting our balls. It was a great time,” Holbdy said.

LIU played 18 holes for each of the three days they were playing, This provided switch up from their traditional 36-18 hole tournaments. 

“We played 18 holes for 3 days in a row, which was a nice break from our regular 36-18 hole tournaments,” she said. 

A common obstacle the players encountered while playing was the Bermuda grass. The grass is naturally coarse in texture, making it a bit more difficult to play due to its thicker-than-average nature. Holbdy commented about the new terrain. 

“We struggled with the Bermuda Grass a little bit, seeing as how it’s different from what we experience up north here. We played decently, but I know we’re all capable of more and ready to bring it as we head into conference,” she said. 

Freshman finance major Nielli Heinold had a similar take to Holbdy. 

“It’s Bermuda so it’s a little different than what I’m used to. Chipping and putting was a little bit harder, so that was interesting. It’s some that you definitely have to get used to,” Heinold said.

13 NCAA teams competed in the Low Country Intercollegiate, and in the end, the High Point University Panthers ended up winning the tournament. The LIU Sharks ended up coming in 10th place, ranking above USC Upstate, Presbyterian and The Citadel. The Sharks ended up with a score of +110 overall. 

“We ended up in 10th place; we were +110 overall. Coach told us that if we all parred out on the last four holes, we would have come in third place, but it is what it is.” 

The Sharks scores have remained fairly consistent these past three tournaments, and they feel that they are moving in the right direction. Holbdy completed a very rare shot while playing in the tournament. On hole 14 in the third round, she faced a 500-yard par 5, achieving the incredibly rare albatross score. For reference, an albatross is a score of three under par on a single hole. This is achieved by completing a par 5 hole in two strokes or by holing out in one on a par 4. Holbdy holed out from 199 yards, and she says it was a great confidence booster as the team progressed into the back half of the season.

 “It was really cool to make an albatross,” Holbdy said. “It was super cool because it doesn’t happen a lot in all of golf, and being on one hole is pretty awesome! I holed out from 199 yards and it was such a cool moment to build confidence moving into the back half of the season!”

 Heinold also had some great moments, racking up +39 points for the team. She was a big fan of the landscapes in Hilton Head Island. 

“South Carolina is beautiful; there’s a lot of history there, and I’m grateful we were able to explore some of the history of the place while we were down there. I’d love to go back,” she said.

“The event was super fun and well organized, and the winners were always going to be who had the best short game that weekend,” Holbdy said. 

The team enjoyed being in the tournament and will also be participating in three upcoming tournaments to close out the season. They will be playing at Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville, Maryland from March 29-30, the Rutgers Invitational in Piscataway, New Jersey from April 5-6 and the NEC Championship in Williamsburg, Virginia from April 25-27.