Team Indiana rallied the final day at the USGA Women’s State
Team Championship to finish T14th in a field comprised of teams from 48 states
and the District of Columbia. For this event, the format was stroke play with the
top two scores from each team counting. After the first round of competition at
Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Fort Wayne on September 1, Indiana was not where
they wanted to be – in 23rd place. They managed to inch their way
down after the second round to the 19th position and were determined
to have a strong finish on their home course.
The Jack Nicklaus designed course played tough throughout
the week for the 3-women teams. The average score was over 83, proving it
worthy of national competition.
Julie Carmichael of Indianapolis, a USGA national
championship veteran, led the charge the final day with a 1-over-par 73, her
lowest of the week. Nina Whalen of Indianapolis, who once competed for Colorado
in the Womens State Team, also had her tournament best 76 the final day. Kristi
Piepenbrink of Greenwood, a recent University of Indianapolis graduate
experiencing the Team event as a rookie, finished with an 80, but counted the
first two days at 81-78. Indiana posted 162-160-149=471.
Georgia took home the title at 143-154-139=436, and Georgia’s
Dori Carter took medalist honors after rounds of 69-76-69=214. Kathy Hartwiger
of Alabama fired a 67 the final round to set a new competitive course record.
Read more here
Complete results here