In a remarkable display of skill and resilience, the No. 2 USC Women's Golf team clinched their fourth consecutive tournament victory at the PING ASU Invitational, held at Arizona State University's Papago Golf Club. This achievement marks the first time since the 2013-14 season that the Trojans have accomplished such a feat, underscoring their dominance on the course.
Facing scorching temperatures on the final day at the par-72, 6,570-yard layout, USC pulled ahead with an impressive 11-stroke victory, finishing with an 841 (-23). This triumph ties their total of five wins from last season, though this year’s streak includes four three-round tournaments.
USC was led by senior Catherine Park, who showcased her talent despite encountering a few challenges. Park started strong but slipped with two bogeys and a double-bogey on the front nine. However, she demonstrated her competitive spirit by sinking birdies on the 13th and 15th holes, briefly reclaiming the lead before a bogey on the 17th placed her second overall with a score of 209 (-7).
The Trojans had all four scorers finish in the top 10. Junior Bailey Shoemaker and sophomores Elise Lee and Kylie Chong each tied for eighth at 212 (-4). Chong had a standout performance, climbing eight spots with a 69 (-3) in the final round, the best of any Trojan that day.
Shoemaker was the model of consistency, delivering three rounds under par and securing her fourth straight top-10 finish. Lee, who started the day in second, faced some hurdles in her final-round 74 (+2) but still managed three birdies.
Freshman Sarah Hammett, competing individually, made a significant leap up the leaderboard to finish tied for 31st with a 220 (+4). Unfortunately, sophomore Jasmine Koo had to withdraw in the final round after a promising start.
Looking ahead, USC will send four players, including Park, Lee, and Shoemaker, to compete in the prestigious Augusta National Women's Amateur. Following that, they’ll wrap up the regular season at the Chevron Silverado Showdown in Napa, California.
The Trojans’ performance at the PING ASU Invitational is a testament to their depth and determination, setting the stage for what could be an exciting finish to the season.