Arkansas Golf Fact Sheet #5

This WeekArkansas returns to the links after the long winter break traveling to the Lady Puerto Rico Classic in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Arkansas’ last outing was Oct. 26-28, at the UA Ann Rhoads Intercollegiate -nearly four months ago.
Who’s traveling?First-year head coach Shauna Estes and her new assistant Mike Adams have decided on the lineup for this week. Senior Stacy Lewis is joined by junior Lucy Nunn, sophomores Alex Schulte and Tiffany Phelps and freshman Kelli Shean.
A new lineup?Sort of. Arkansas head coach Shauna Estes-Taylor has the team qualify for each event. This year, Stacy Lewis, Lucy Nunn and Kelli Shean have each qualified for the four fall events. Alex Schulte has played in three and Phelps in one event. In fact, Phelps, a McKinney, Texas, native, is making just her third start for Arkansas.
About the Lady Puerto RicoAfter a one-year absence, the Lady Razorbacks return to the Lady Puerto Rico Classic in Rio Grande, PR. Arkansas’ only other appearance at this event came in 2006 when the Lady’Backs were third in the 16-team field shooting a 298-294-296=888 at the Coca Beach Golf Course.
More About the Lady Puerto RicoThis year’s event is scheduled for 18 teams and is again hosted by Big Ten participant Purdue. SEC member Auburn won the 2007 event shooting an 873 while Georgia’s Alina Lee won medalist honors with a 217.
About the fieldThis year’s field includes: Alabama, Arkansas, Central Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Iowa State, Kent State, LSU, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina State, Oklahoma, Purdue, South Carolina, TCU, Tennessee, Texas Tech and Wisconsin.
Strong SEC representationArkansas faces several SEC teams at this year’s event. It is the second largest SEC field of the regular season behind the UA Ann Rhodes which had eight leage teams.
Who is the team to beat?Funny you should ask. The team to beat is…..Arkansas. That’s right. The Lady Razorbacks are the top-ranked team in the field according to both the Golfweek and Golfstat polls as of Monday, Feb. 18. Arkansas finds itself ranked sixth in both polls this year. Of course, perennial powerhouse Georgia is also in the field. The Bulldogs are 10th in the Golfweek and 12th in the Golfstat poll and are coached by former Lady Razorback coach Kelley Hester. Here’s a look at teams in the poll this week: (*Through Oct. 17, 2007)

Since we last spokeIt’s been a while since we’ve had our last collegiate update and a lot has happened. Arkansas senior Stacy Lewis was selected to the Curtis Cup and will represent the United States in Scotland. Lewis will leave directly from the NCAA Championship in New Mexico for the Curtis Cup.
A Coaching Name ChangeBy now, everyone is aware of the coaching change for this season as former head coach Kelley Hester departed for her alma mater and assistant coach Shauna Estes took over. There is another new twist for Estes — she got married in January. Estes will keep her maiden name and hyphenate it with her married name which is Taylor. She is now Shauna Estes-Taylor.
Lady’Backs at the Harder HallSeveral Lady Razorback golfers were busy during the break. Senior Stacy Lewis finished third at the 53rd Harder Hall Invitational in Sebring, Fla. Lewis was consistent throughout the event bobbing between the top four spots before finishing third. Lewis opened play with 74-71, moving into the Championship Flight on the par 72, 6,151-yard course at Harder Hall Country Club. She wrapped up with a 70-74 finishing with a 289, just eight strokes off the lead. Teammates Lucy Nunn, Tiffany Phelps and Alex Schulte also played well advancing to the Championship Flight. Nunn finished 21st with a 306 (81-77-77-71), followed by Phelps who was 30th with a 317 (80-77-82-78). Schulte rounded out the Arkansas scores in the Championship Flight finishing 34th with a 322 (78=81-81-82).