MEDINAH, Ill. – After completing 36 holes at the hosted Illini Women's Invitational at Medinah, the No. 24 Illinois women's golf team sits in third-place with an impressive 565 (-11). The inaugural tournament marks the first time in 10 years since the Illini have hosted an event, with the last being the 2008 Illini Spring Classic in Urbana, Ill.
"So far this season we are starting a trend, where we are establishing ourselves in the first round and feeling comfortable in the second," said head coach Renee Slone. "We are able to take advantage of the knowledge gained from the first round and put it into action."
The Orange and Blue posted a first round score of 285 (-3) and a second-round score of 280 (-8) at Medinah Country Club No. 2 course (Par 72, 6,159 yards). The 8-under par score in the second round is the lowest single-round score in program history. The previous record was a seven-under par at the 2018 Big Ten Championships and 2017 Briar's Creek Invitational.
"I am proud of the way they battled and fought hard," noted Slone. "After a slow start, we were able to hit our stride in the afternoon."
In a highly competitive and ranked field, three of the Illini individually finished in the top 15. For the third consecutive tournament, freshman Crystal Wang is the top individual for the Illini, tying for fourth with a 138 (-6), posting a total of eight birdies. Wang had an impressive first round, where she shot five birdies and even-par or less on all 18 holes. Her five under-par in the first round ties her fifth in the record books for the lowest single round score, which includes fellow teammate Bing Singhsumalee.
"I was able to stay motivated by seeing my teammates at various holes, like Bing (Singhsumalee) in front of me and Lauren (Nay) behind me," said Wang. "We were able to have fun, laugh, and wave to each other."
Lone senior Singhsumalee and freshman Kornkamol Sukaree both tied for 11th, posting a total of 141 (-3). The Naperville, Ill. native posted six birdies and had a notable showing in the second round, shooting even-par or less on all 18 holes. Once again, Sukaree showed some fight, climbing 23 spots in the individual rankings after round one. The freshman posted four birdies in the second round and like teammates Wang and Singhsumalee, was even-par or less on all 18 holes.
"I was really proud of our high energy, especially with it being 36 holes and a little muggy," said Singhsumalee. "We definitely kept up our spirits and gave each other a lot of waves."
"Overall, I did pretty well today," said Sukaree. "I just need to remind myself to focus on every shot I play."
Junior Tristyn Nowlin tied for 54th, posting a total of 148 (+3). Always starting off strong, the Richmond, Ky. native posted a 73 (+1) in the first round. Sophomore Ali Morallos climbed 10 spots in the individual rankings, posting a 149 (+5). After two double bogeys in the first round, Morallos came back strong in the second round with an even-par 72.
Two Illini freshmen are competing in the field as individuals this week, as Katie Hallinan and Lauren Nay made their first collegiate appearances in the orange and blue. After a slow start, Hallinan posted two birdies in the second round, while staying even par with the exception of one bogey on hole 14. The Loveland, Ohio native finished the day with a 148 (+4), tying for 54th individually. Nay posted a total of seven birdies, while recording an even-par 72 in the opening round. Hailing from Naperville, Ill., Nay is tied for 68th individually with a 150 (+6).
"It was a great day for both of them," said Slone. "They both had solid rounds today and it was a great learning experience for them. I know this will serve them well moving forward to future fall and spring season tournaments."
No. 32 Purdue (-19) and No. 14 Kent State (-13) currently hold the top two spots ahead of the Illini on the leaderboard.
The final round of the Illini Women's Invitational at Medinah will tee off Tuesday morning with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. CT. The Illini lineup will tee up off in the order of Singhsumalee, Wang, Sukaree, Morallos, and Nowlin. While individuals, Hallinan and Nay, will start on hole No. 18.
Parking and admission at Medinah Country Club is free to the public. Media should email Marty DeAngelo at mdeangelo@medinahcc.org to arrange arrival prior to the tournament.
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