SCOTTSDALE (Ariz.) — Maddison’s Hinson-Tolchard putt grazed the bottom lip of the cup and trickled in, causing a roar from her orange-clad teammates, as well as the fans on the 18th Green.
Oklahoma State junior, a junior golfer, hit a great approach shot on the par-5 final hole of her first round at 2023 NCAA Women’s Golf Championships at Grayhawk Golf Club. Her putt was a little off, but she managed to get it in to make her third consecutive birdie.
After the morning wave at Grayhawk, the Cowgirls are on top with a score of 8-under 280. Hinson-Tolchard is the Big 12 Individual Champion and also leads the pack with a 6-under-66. This is the lowest round ever in a NCAA Championship.
Hinson-Tolchard stated, “It was steady.” “I didn’t feel like I had a score of 66. “I sunk a few really good putts, and I just kept myself in the game.”
Hinson-Tolchard was surprised to learn that she had won the individual race after her round. Who was the player in second place? Rina Tatematsu is her teammate and she shot a 4-under-68.
Oklahoma State faced Ole Miss in the match-play final of the 2021 NCAA Championships, the first of three consecutive NCAA Championships held at Grayhawk. Hinson-Tolchard was a freshman, and Tatematsu was in the lineup. Hinson-Tolchard won her match, but the Cowgirls lost.
They returned to Grayhawk last year but finished 19th out of 24 teams and missed the Monday cut-off to 15. This has been the motivation for all of this season.
Oklahoma State coach Greg Robertson stated, “They have talked about wanting back and it is good to see them play well.” “They were an important part of our victory that week, but I am happy with how they started.”
Oklahoma State took full advantage of the calm winds and clouds that lingered over Scottsdale throughout the morning. Georgia, who also started the morning wave is the closest competitor at 2 under. Duke was the third team to tee-off in the morning and shot par.
Shannon Tan, Texas Tech’s golfer, matched Tatematsu’s score of 4-under-68.
After a strong start, Hinson-Tolchard’s Cowgirls are leading the pack.
Hinson-Tolchard stated, “It was a shame not to make it to the match play last season.” It was a big motivation to come back. We want to feel that way again.
