Kansas Looks to Continue Hot Start at Challenge at Onion Creek

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Fresh off the tournament title last week at the Marilynn Smith Invitational and a second-place finish at the Cardinal Cup (Sept. 16-17), the Kansas women’s golf team looks to continue its fall season at the Challenge at Onion Creek in Austin, Texas, Sept. 30-Oct. 1.
 
KU will be one of 11 teams at the Challenge at Onion Creek, including Big 12 foes Kansas State and Texas Tech. The Jayhawks will play at the Onion Creek Original course which measures 5,821 yards with a par 70.
 
Additionally, the Jayhawks will also send three golfers to play as individuals at the 2013 UMKC Invitational held at Shoal Creek Golf Club in Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Sophomore Carly Humes, junior Gabby DiMarco and sophomore Mackenzie Thayer will compete in the nine-team, 60-player tournament. The field includes Bradley, Bakersfield, Drake, UMKC, Northern Illinois, Nebraska-Omaha, South Dakota State, Southern Illinois and William Jewell.
 
Humes, who only played in one tournament last year after red-shirting during the 2011-12 campaign, is ready for her opportunity to compete in the UMKC Invitational.
 
“I’m so excited to play next week,” Humes said. “I feel like my game has come a long way since I’ve been at KU and that I’m ready to compete.”
 
Asked where her game has improved the most, Humes did not hesitate in her reply.
 
“Short game, it’s so important,” The Woodlands, Texas, native said. “I spent all summer on the practice green and I feel like it has really paid off. I’m scoring better than I ever have.”
 
Humes has lofty goals for the UMKC Invitational.
 
“My goal for next week is to place high in the tournament,” Humes said. “I feel like my game has improved enough that I am capable of competing at a high level.”
 
As for her goals for the 2013-14 season as a whole, Humes hopes to crack the starting lineup.
 
“I want to make the lineup this season and travel to events more than I have in the past,” Humes said. “I think that will set me up to become a full-time starter next year.”
 
With the Jayhawk team off to such a strong start and several golfers playing well, cracking the lineup could be a difficult undertaking.
 
“It’s tough when you have players like Mook (Yupapporn Kawinpakorn), Fhong (Thanuttra Boonraksasat), and Meghan (Potee) who are consistently good,” Humes said. “Really, the whole team has improved so much that making the starting lineup will be a challenge.”
 
However, Humes is up for the challenge and is looking to start her season off on a positive note when she competes in the UMKC Invitational.
 
Challenge at Onion Creek Tournament Quick Facts
Onion Creek Original Course * Par-70 * 5,821 yards * Austin, Texas
First and Second Rounds: Monday, Sept. 30. Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.
Final Round: Tuesday, Oct. 1. Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.
 
2013 FIELD
Kansas
Kansas State
Texas State
Miami
Michigan
Texas Tech
Iowa
Coastal Carolina
Grand Canyon
UT Pan American
St. Edwards
Baylor (individuals only)
 
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