Kokomo’s Kristi Cardwell made her Professional debut today at the Pepsi
Indiana women’s open and did not disappoint. The defending champion
fired a 5-under-par 67, which was enough for a three shot lead over
Allison Lindley, also a Kokomo native.
“I didn’t do anything special today I just stayed out of trouble,” said Cardwell, a recent graduate from the University of Iowa. “I focused on hitting fairways and greens and plan to do the same tomorrow.”
Cardwell’s round consisted of six birdies coming on the par 3, 7th hole, the par 5, 9th hole, the par 3, 12th hole, the par 5, 13th hole, the par 3, 17th hole, and the par 5, 18th hole. She only carded one bogey on the par 4, 14th.
Tomorrow Cardwell will play with Lindley who she knows well from past tournament competition. Lindley will also attend the University of Iowa next Fall.
“Allison is a great player and it will be nice to play with a friend tomorrow,” Cardwell said. “It is great to be in this position and it would be to win my first tournament with pro status.”
If Cardwell can defend tomorrow, she will be the first Professional to win this event since Danah Bordner (Ford) in ’07.
Munster’s Kamryn Klawitter and Muncie’s Jenna Hague are currently tied for third after firing even par 72s.