The Troy women’s golf team is gearing up for an early start to its fall campaign as they head to the Tiger Classic, hosted by Clemson at The Walker Course. This one-day, 36-hole event will feature 15 teams, including some Sun Belt rivals. Head coach Randy Keck expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, stating that the team has been playing well during qualifying rounds and the opportunity to kick off the season at a prestigious venue like Clemson adds an extra level of excitement.
Keck’s lineup for the 2024 opener is filled with experienced players, as all five members are returning from last season. Laura Fangmeyer, a junior who played in all 11 tournaments last season, stood out with a 3.55 score vs. par and three rounds under par. Her impressive career stroke average of 74.82 ranks as the fourth lowest in program history, showcasing her consistency and skill on the course.
Katelynn Altese, another key player in the lineup, has a career stroke average of 76.47, placing her ninth in Troy’s history. Altese competed in 10 events last season, finishing with a 76.97 average and demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure. Keck emphasized the depth of experience in the team’s lineup, highlighting the tough competition during qualifying rounds as players vied for a spot in the starting five.
Joining Fangmeyer and Altese in the lineup are Manya Saini, Jillian Friyia, and Brinson Hall, who all contributed significantly to the team’s performance last season. Despite missing their top returner, Alyssa Mercado, who is currently at Qualifying School for the LPGA Tour, the Trojans are confident in their lineup and ready to compete at Clemson. The team will need to play smart and capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially on the Par 5s, which could be crucial in determining the outcome of the tournament.
The field at the Tiger Classic is competitive, with teams like Clemson, UNC Asheville, Jacksonville, and UNC Greensboro among the participants. The Trojans will be teeing off alongside North Alabama, USC Upstate, and Western Carolina, starting at 7:30 a.m. (CT) in a shotgun format. Keck emphasized the importance of strategic play and taking advantage of scoring opportunities, noting that the course conditions are excellent and similar to what the team practices on regularly.
Overall, the Troy women’s golf team is poised for a strong start to the season at the Tiger Classic. With a lineup of experienced players and a strategic approach to the course, they are ready to showcase their skills and compete against top competition in the collegiate golf landscape.