Women's Golf Opens Fall Slate at Chris Banister Classic

The Mercer University women's golf team will christen its 2011-12 season this weekend at the 16th annual Chris Banister Golf Classic in Huntsville, Ala. The three-day tournament will be played at the Hampton Cove Golf Resort, which is a part of the Robert Trent Jones Trail.

Jacksonville State University is the host for the tournament. JSU was the 2010 champion for the tournament and will try to defend its title against nine other NCAA Division I teams.

The practice round begins on Saturday September 3 and is followed by three days of competition. The 54-hole event will be played on the 6,070 yard Highlands Course, which is comprised of Bent grass greens and Bermuda fairways.

"Qualifying was limited to four rounds and it was obvious that several of our team members are in top form," MU Head Coach Gary Guyer said. "With nine members on the team competing for five spots, it does create a competitive environment. I told the team to come in with their ‘A game’ as we started qualifying the first day of practice. They were prepared to meet the challenge.”

Traveling to the first tournament of the year are Aurelie Wiriath (Jr.), Kimmy Graff (Jr.), Mary Alice Murphy (So.), Lacey Fears (So.) and Sarah Louie Brown (Fr.). Kaitlin Marrin (Jr.) will be competing as an individual.

In describing his team’s play during qualifying, Guyer seemed pleased with the Bears’ early-season efforts.

“Aurelie finished medalist during qualifying and is playing well,” Guyer said. “She has an air of confidence about her. She has always been a top player and now she knows she can play with anyone.

“Mary Alice is ‘Miss Consistency’ and you can find her at the top of the leader board. Her putting has improved over the summer and that is how you go low. Lacey had an outstanding summer and should have a breakout year this season. She has worked diligently with her instructor, Bobby Hix, and it is starting to pay huge dividends.

“Kimmy has always been a talented player and now she knows how to score. She had only one birdie over 72 holes of qualifying so it is obvious she is saving them for tournament time. Our freshman, Sarah Louie Brown, has fit in nicely with the rest of the team. She is a solid golfer and is mentally tough. You never know how junior golfers will make the transition to college, but Sarah Louie has done well. Kaitlin will travel to the tournament as an individual. She played well over the summer and is a birdie machine. Kaitlin is going to surprise a lot of people this year.”