Kats seek to defend title at ORU Shootout
9/27/2015 10:15:00 AM | Women's Golf
The Sam Houston State women's golf team makes its annual return to Tulsa, Okla., and the Bob Hurley ORU Shootout at the par-72, 6,120-yard Meadowbrook Country Club on Monday, a course the squad post a monumental victory at a season ago, rallying past Oral Roberts on the final day to post a tournament-record 880.
“It sets the standard a little higher,” ninth-year head coach Tommy Chain said. “The last thing you want to do is not play well after the other schools know you're defending champs. We have three girls that were on that team last year and several of the girls have played there. It gives them confidence knowing that they already accomplished that.”
The two-day, 54-hole tournament will see the Kats play two rounds Monday with the final 18 scheduled for Tuesday. Among the 16-team field is Southland Conference foes Lamar, McNeese State, Stephen F. Austin and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, a major reason for the Bearkats visit.
“Normally there are quite a few Southland schools there,” Chain said. “We're always looking to matchup with them. That's a positive because you size up the competition. That's one of the reasons I look forward to this event.”
Senior Nicole Budnik, who posted a second-place finish two weeks ago in Memphis, finished in a tie for fourth last season at ORU, shooting 74-72-74, at the time, her best performance. Meanwhile, sophomore Sarah Black finished closely behind in sixth last season at the event, also the best tournament of her young career, shooting 74-72-75.
“It has different grasses which makes you more versatile,” Chain said. “It's preparation for other events that like when we go up to Seattle or the possibility of a regional up north. It's always good to play different grasses and challenge the girls in that aspect.”
Two weeks ago, the Bearkats placed fifth at the Memphis Women's Intercollegiate from the par-71 Ridgeway Country Club. Sam Houston junior Heather Shake, a transfer from UH-Victoria, secured a tie for 17th at 16-over in her first Division I collegiate event to highlight an encouraging season-opening tournament.
“The first tournament of the year is always an evaluation,” Chain said. “I am able to pinpoint the weaknesses and we've had two weeks preparation to strengthen those. I am expecting better performances and that's exciting to me.”
Among the focal points, the Bearkats have spent major time working on their short game, what Chain calls the most important part of a golfer's game.
“I like this team because they're receptive to the things they need to do to get better,” Chain said. “As a coach, that's one of the biggest things you can ask for.”
For the latest, including daily updates from the ORU Shootout, follow @SHSUWomenGolf on Twitter and visit GoBearkats.com.
