The Texas State women's golf team is gearing up for the Chevron Collegiate, set to take place at the Golf Club of Houston, following their impressive championship win at their home tournament. This two-day event, beginning Monday, features 54 holes of competition and includes elite teams like No. 1 Arkansas and No. 21 Houston. The Bobcats will be fielding standout players including Yvonne Chamness, who has shone throughout the season alongside promising freshmen Miren Ontanon and Ella Salama.
Texas State recently secured first place at the Texas State Invitational, with Chamness finishing 1-under, just shy of the individual title. Chamness showcases remarkable skill, boasting a stroke average of 71.64, and ranking among the top 25 players across four of the five tournaments this season. The team has had strong momentum heading to this major tournament, highlighted by five top-five finishes and two tournament victories this year.
Head Coach Par Nilsson, who earned the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year title, has led the Bobcats to success, including securing their NCAA Regional berth after their championship win. "This is our moment to shine against high-ranked teams, as it greatly impacts our standings leading up to the NCAA matchups," Nilsson stated.
Similarly, the TCU women’s golf team arrives with vigor, eager to continue their strong season. Participiting at the Chevron Collegiate, the Horned Frogs are fielding talented players like Meagan Winans, Kirstin Angosta, Sofia Barroso Sá, Gracie McGovern, and Camille Min-Gaultier with Sofie Dimitrova competing as individual. With their recent achievements, including placing solo second at the Collegiate Invitational, TCU is ranked 16th among collegiate teams.
Angosta’s dual performance led to her achieving significant recognition, tying for sixth place at nine-under 207 during her recent competitions. The team maintains high spirits, celebrating two tournament victories so far and five straight top-five finishes. Angosta is on target to make waves at this tournament, currently holding the position of No. 55 ranked player.
The Chevron Collegiate is noted not just for its competitive atmosphere but also for its potential rewards. The individual champion gains automatic qualification for the Chevron Championship Pro-Am, along with exclusive invitations, raising the stakes for golfers eager to impress scouts and leagues.
One of the sponsors of this first-rate event, the Golf Club of Houston, boasts challenging course conditions, native wetland beauty, and strategic gameplay elements, complimented by its history of hosting significant tournaments, including the Houston Open. Expect rounds to commence at 8 am each day, showcasing the talent of young golfers across the college spectrum.
The unique tournament field incorporates top-tier teams like No. 1 Arkansas, No. 12 Mississippi State, and familiar rivals such as Texas A&M. The stakes are high, as teams vie for recognition and rankings during this esteemed event, enhancing their opportunities for future NCAA competitions.
UTSA is also among the competitors at the Chevron Collegiate, returning to action after nearly three weeks. Led by players Maria Bastarrica and Morgan Ellison, the Roadrunners are ranked against significant competition and are eager to make their mark following their recent performances. After tying for 15th at the Puerto Rico Classic, the team is striving to improve their standings at this major tournament.
UTSA's players have demonstrated promising skills, especially junior Abonce, who leads the team with 74.39 stroke average this season. With her top performances noted, including securing third place at the Badger Invitational, expectations mount for her and the team as they head to the Chevron Collegiate.
With each team preparing rigorously for the competition, the Chevron Collegiate serves as not only a platform for showcasing talent but also as pivotal grounds for race to NCAA recognition. All teams seek to leverage this opportunity to bolster their rankings and standings by asserting their competitive excellence against rival programs.
Highlighting the dreams and aspirations of future collegiate athletes across Texas, the Chevron Collegiate remains significant as they navigate through these challenging courses and fierce competition. These players stand on the brink of professional recognition, and their endeavors over these two days will surely capture the attention of scouts and fans alike.