Thrice is Nice: Kawinpakorn Wins Third Straight at Palmetto Intercollegiate

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – Kansas senior Yupaporn “Mook” Kawinpakorn was able to overcome a daunting four-stroke deficit in the third round of the Palmetto Intercollegiate to win her third straight and fourth career individual title Tuesday at the Turtle Point Golf Course in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
 
The only golfer among the 102 competitors to card a 54-hole score below par, Kawinpakorn shot a 70 (-2) to give her a 54-hole score of 213 (-3), three strokes ahead of second-place Laura Fuenfstueck of the College of Charleston. The last Jayhawk to win three straight individual titles was Holly Reynolds, who won four in a row in 1992-93. Kawinpakorn also secured another KU record by earning her 14^th career top-five finish, moving past Reynold’s 13.
 
“(Monday) I thought so many things could happen out there, especially with the storm,” Kawinpakorn said of her Tuesday round. “I told myself to stay focused and not let the rainy conditions get into my head. I knew I had a pretty good chance to win this one because I was not that far off. I just needed to be patient. I haven’t won three in a row for a long time, so it is very special to me. I still have to work on a couple of things in my game, especially with putting. I didn’t make a lot of putts this week so I look forward to working on that.”
 
Despite playing in the worst conditions of her three tournament wins, Kawinpakorn was able to maintain composure. Almost halfway through her round a weather delay was called, leaving her in a first-place tie with Giulia Vandenberg of Stetson. After the rain delay Kawinpakorn played a decisive 11 holes, sealing the victory.
 
“Mook finished her round strong with two birdies to secure the win which was great to see her do,” KU head coach Erin O’Neil said. “She has definitely learned how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Today was a tough day with the rain and weather delay and she managed it well. We are very proud of what she has accomplished this fall.”
 
As a team, KU shot a 298 Tuesday and improved one spot, finishing eighth in the 20-team field with a three-round 898 (+34). It marked the Jayhawks’ third-straight tournament where it placed in the top half of the field. Furman won the team title with a three-round 875 (+11).
 
Along with Kawinpakorn, KU freshman Ariadna Fonseca Diaz and Laine Evans and sophomores Pitsinee Winyarat and Kallie Gonzales contributed to the team’s strong third round. Fonseca Diaz tied for 38^th after carding a 227 (+11) and Evans tied for 45^th with a 228 (+12). Winyarat tied her career-best 54-hole mark of 230 (+14), which she also set at the Chip-N Club Invitational (Oct. 5-6). Winyarat tied her for 57^th at the Palmetto. Gonzales shot a 247 (+31) to tie for 95^th.
 
“While we did move up a spot today in the standings, we are not satisfied with our finish,” said O’Neil. “We have learned a lot this fall but need to continue to improve upon our weaknesses in the offseason.”
 
Kansas, done with its fall schedule, will look forward to playing next at the Arizona Wildcat Invitational on March 14-15.
 
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