Baylor Women's Golf (Gurleen Kaur)
Coming off wins at the Schooner Classic in Norman, Oklahoma just a couple of weeks ago, both the Baylor Bears and redshirt junior Gurleen Kaur backed up their domination with a sweep of the individual and team portions of the Betsy Rawls Longhorns Invitational in Austin, Texas, hosted by the University of Texas.
Holding a four shot team lead over the host Longhorns, Baylor turned on the afterburners in Sunday’s final round posting a team total 14-under 274 to clear Texas and the six other teams in the field.
However, the 14 under team total was not the lowest team total on the day. That honor was given to Oklahoma. The Sooners rode rounds of 70-68-68-64 to vault themselves into a third place finish with an 8-under, 856 tournament team total. 14 strokes behind Baylor and three shots off of the Lady Longhorns’ pace. Oklahoma's 18 under final round set a school record while Libby Winans tied the course record with an 8-under 64.
In the individual race, Kaur held a one shot lead thanks to an opening even-par 72 and a second round 7-under 66. She began the day with a pedestrian 1-under 35 before kicking the back nine off with three straight birdies to help jumpstart her round.
Picking up two more birdies on Nos. 14 and 17, she carded a final round 66 to clear Oklahoma State standout, Isabella Fierro, by a single shot.
“Honestly, I had no idea I had the lead or anything until after I finished,” Kaur told AmateurGolf.com.
Building upon their sweep at the Schooner Classic, Kaur said that she and the team felt confident and tried to implement the same strategies heading into this week.
With COVID-19 forcing teams to play together in efforts to maintain their “bubble”, Kaur said that it’s nice to play with her teammates but at the same time everyone is so used to playing mixed groups but that it’s “more enjoyable” when playing with teammates that are also friends.
Up next for the Bears is a stop in Stillwater, Oklahoma as both Kaur and the Bears will look for a fall trifecta when they step foot on Karsten Creek October 22-23.
“We have three new freshmen and the team has never been more competitive and at the top of our games,” Kaur said. “I’m just so happy and proud of everyone on my team!”
Under the radar heading into the season, Baylor may not be hiding much longer.
“I think this really shows everyone that Baylor is one to watch on their radar and to not forget about us,” said Kaur.
ABOUT THE Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational
54 hole women's college
tournament hosted by the University of Texas. Team
(best four scores out of five players each round) and
individual competitions.
View Complete Tournament Information