Marian Women's Golf has Record Breaking Performance in Season Opening Win

MT. JULIET, Tenn. - The Marian women's golf team swung into action for the 2023 season, competing in the Phoenix Invitational on Monday and Tuesday this week. Marian began their season off right, as they won their first tournament of the year by a six stroke margin and having all top-20 finishes. Not only did the Knights garner the win, but they also set multiple records. The previous 18-hole and 54-hole record were shattered along with Hailey Kirkland carding her way to the lowest rounds of 18-holes and 54-holes. 

Marian trailed closely behind Milligan University after day one, shooting a 582 (295+287) as to Milligan's 576. The Knights picked it up on the final 18 holes, storming past the competition with a 280, which was 12 strokes better than the second-best score in round three. Marian finished the tournament with an 862, while Milligan finished in second with an 868, and Cumberlands in third with a 887. The Knights defeated five ranked teams along the way in claiming their victory. 

Hailey Kirkland was the standout performer for the two-day event, posting consistently excellent scores. The freshman kicked off her Marian career off with a runner-up performance after finishing with a 212. Kirkland only improved over the three rounds, as she carded a 75 (36+39) in her 18 holes of play, before shooting a 71 (36+35) in round two, and finally smoking the field with a 66 (31+35) in her final round. Kirkland's finish pushed her into the Marian record books, as she carded the lowest round of 18-holes and 54-holes. 

Sidney Parmer was the next best finisher for the Knights with her sixth place finish. Parmer fired off a 74 (36+38) in her first 18 holes of the season, before finishing day one with a 37+34=71. The senior carded her best round of the tournament in the final round, as she carded a 70 (37+33) to finish with a total score of 215. Emma Weiler had a solid performance in her debut, finishing in a tie for eighth after scoring a total of 219. Weiler carded a 72 (35+37), 75 (39+36), and 72 (34+38) throughout her 54 holes of action. Marian had two more top-15 performances with Ava Hedrick and Keara Eder. Hedrick finished in 11th after turning in a score of 220 (75+73+72), while Eder fired off a 74+75+73=222. Rounding out the Knights' lineup was MacKendzie Dresbaugh with her 224 final score, as she scored a 74+72+78 to finish in a tie for 17th. 

Marian will look to ride their momentum at the Invite an Innisbrook September 25-26 in Palm Harbor, Fla. 

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