Trophies, Records and Career Bests: Jayhawks Bring a Lot Back From Schooner Classic

Schooner Classic
Belmar Golf Club| Norman, Okla.
Par-71 | 5,901Yards
Kansas Senior Yupaporn Kawinpakorn is Congratulated by Toby Keith After Winning the Schooner Classic
 Final Results
Place Team Score
1 Oklahoma State 554(-14)
2 Texas A&M  561(-7)
3 Mississippi State 565 (-3)
4 Kansas    566 (-2)
5 Notre Dame 567 (-1)
6 Oklahoma 574 (+6)
T7 Florida State 581 (+13)
T7 Kansas State 581 (+13)
9 Texas State 582 (+14)
10 UTSA 589 (+21)
11 Troy 602 (+34)
12 Tulsa 612 (+44)
Individual Leaderboard (Top 5)
Place Name Team Score
1 Yupaporn Kawinpakorn KU 131 (-11)
2 Chih-Min Chen OSU 133 (-9)
3 Madison Talley KSU 136 (-6)
T4 Hannah Wood OU 137 (-5)
T4 Ariadna Fonseca KU 137 (-5)
Kansas Leaderboard
Place Name Score
1 Yupaporn Kawinpakorn 131 (-11)
T4 Ariadna Fonseca Diaz 137 (-5)
T39 Laine Evans 149 (+7)
T48 Pitsinee Winyarat 153 (+11)
T59 MacKenzie Sexe 157 (+15)

NORMAN, Okla. – Kansas senior Yupaporn “Mook” Kawinpakorn won her third career individual title in, what was for the Kansas women’s golf team, a successful Schooner Classic Monday. Her three titles include an outright victory at the 2012 Price’s “Give ‘Em Five” Intercollegiate and a shared title at the 2015 SMU/DAC Invitational. The senior, who bested a field of 66 golfers, finished with a two-round 131 (-11), two strokes ahead of second-place Chih-Min Chen of Oklahoma State.
 
“For the last couple of years, I’ve been trying to improve my game in every area including physically and mentally, and today it has paid off. I would like to thank (head) coach Erin, (assistant) coach Katy, and (swing) coach Josh Nahm for pushing me always and being there for me. This win is for them,” Kawinpakorn said. “Also, I’m proud of my teammates. It’s good to see young players working hard and craving to win. This is my dream team!”

Kawinpakorn set school and event records for her 18-hole score of 63 (-8) in Saturday’s first round and continued her high level of play with a 68 (-3) in Monday’s final round. Sunday’s round was cancelled due inclement weather.
 
“One of Mook’s goals has always been to leave a mark on the KU program and there is no doubt that she has done that,” Kansas head coach Erin O’Neil said. “As a coach there is nothing better than to see a player’s hard work pay off. It was a pleasure to watch her compete this week and to see her hold the lead from beginning to end. It was a special moment for her to shoot a career best round and to win the event as well. I believe this will be a fun year to watch Mook play because she has the experience and is really enjoying the journey right now.”
 
Kawinpakorn’s success was not the only reason why Kansas left the par-71, 5,901-yard Belmar Golf Club happy. KU’s fourth-place finish in the 12-team competition was its best so far this fall. The team scored a 566 (-2), shooting under par for the first time this year. In the second round Kansas shot a 281 (-3), its best 18-hole score this season. First-place Oklahoma State and third-place Mississippi State finished ahead of Kansas by 12 and one strokes, respectively.
 
Individually, Kansas had much to celebrate in addition to Kawinpakorn’s victory. Freshman Ariadna “Ari” Fonseca Diaz scored under par in both rounds. Her best 18-hole score as a Jayhawk came in the second round with a 68 (-3). Fonseca’s overall score of 137 (-5) tied her for fourth with Hannah Wood of Oklahoma, her first career top-5 finish. Sophomore MacKenzie “Kenzie” Sexe carded her career best 18-hole score of 73 (+2) in the second round, breaking a personal record she set one week prior at the Minnesota Invitational. Sexe tied for 59th with an overall score of 157 (+15).
 
“Ari is a very talented player who is adjusting nicely to college golf. After having three events, she seems to be gaining confidence and playing steady golf. Ari has a great attitude on the course and worked hard in between events to improve her game. We expect great things from her in her career as a Jayhawk and know that this is the first of many top finishes,” O’Neil said. “Kenzie has been working hard all year on her game and adding shots to her bag every day. The biggest thing for Kenzie is that she has been gaining confidence and experience with each tournament.”
 
Freshman Laine Evans tied her career-best 18-hole score versus par with a 72 (+1) in the second round. She tied for 39th with an overall score of 149 (+7). Sophomore Pitsinee Winyarat tied for 48th after carding 153 (+11).
 
Due to inclement weather on Sunday, the 54-hole event was changed to a 36-hole competition. It was the second event so far for the Jayhawks that was affected by stormy weather, the first being the Marilynn Smith/Sunflower Invitational.
 
After a busy week, Kansas will get some rest before heading out to Lincoln, Nebraska to compete in the Chip-N-Club Invitational on October 5-6.
 
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