Isabella McCauley is making a habit of dramatic finishes. In a repeat of her performance at the Big Ten championships, the Gophers sophomore ended the NCAA regionals with a phenomenal round of golf, shooting a 7-under-par 65 on Wednesday to claim a spot in the NCAA championships.
Gophers golfer Isabella McCauley has another big day to clinch NCAA championships berth
Gophers sophomore Isabella McCauley shot a 7-under 65 in the final round Wednesday to finish in a tie for second in the Auburn (Ala.) Regional and secure a spot in the NCAA championships.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
May 9, 2024 at 12:48AM
McCauley stood in 18th place to start the final day of the regional at the Auburn University Club. Her stellar round, the best of the tournament and fourth lowest in Gophers history, vaulted her into a three-way tie for second place. McCauley’s three-day total of 2-under 214 put her three strokes behind regional champion Anna Davis of Auburn and earned her a berth at the national championships for the second consecutive year.
Two weeks ago, McCauley shot a 64 on the last day of the Big Ten tournament to become co-champion after starting the final round in 18th place. The Simley High School grad had no bogeys that day, a feat she repeated Wednesday with seven birdies and 11 pars.
McCauley becomes the first Gopher to qualify for the NCAA women’s golf championships in consecutive years since Kate Hughes in 1987 and 1988. The national tournament is May 17-22 in Carlsbad, Calif.
“It was just an absolutely incredible day,’' Gophers coach Rhyll Brinsmead said. “To shoot 65 on this golf course to qualify for nationals is one of the most amazing feats I have ever seen.’'
Aaron Huglen and wife Maddie are expecting their first baby right before the Gophers take aim at a sixth NCAA title.
