Feb. 18, 2010
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State senior Britt Knutson earned her first-career Missouri Valley Conference golfer of the Week honor after placing in a tie for 20th at the three-day Hurricane Invitational, Feb. 14-16, at the Don Shula Resort in Miami, Fla.
"This is a great honor for Britt, especially in her final semester as a Redbird," said head coach Darby Sligh. "She has worked extremely hard on her swing the past few months and I think it's really paying off."
Knutson started her spring season with a bang, firing a career low one-over par 73 in the first round, and placing in a tie for sixth individually. After completing the second round with a 75 to tie her prior career low 18-hole round, Knutson felt confident entering the final day in a tie for 12th place.
"I was happy with how I started off the event in the first and second rounds," said Knutson. "I couldn't have asked for more coming off the long winter months. My proudest moment of the tournament was finishing both my first and second rounds with a birdie. I was very pleased with how I finished the first two days."
With two rounds in the 70s, Knutson managed to maintain a solid three-round score after posting an 80 during the final 18-holes. With a three-round score of 228 (73-75-80), Knutson placed in a tie for 20th along with Shena Yang of South Florida, Katie Detlefsen of Central Florida and Kennie Leigh Eisenho of East Tennessee State.
"Britt showed much needed consistency this week by making so many pars," said Sligh. "This was a good starting point for her to continue on the rest of the season."
Illinois State placed in 10th as a team at the Hurricane Invitational, firing a final score of 922 (308-303-311).
"I am happy with how I hit my drives and puts, but in the game of golf there is always room for improvement," said Knutson. "I look forward to working on my weaknesses and hopefully continuing my strengths to have a successful final season of my college career."
The Redbirds' continue the spring season when they travel to the 2010 Edwin Watts/Kiawah Island Classic Feb. 21-23. The three-round tournament will take place at Oak Point and Cougar Point on Kiawah Island, S.C. Live scoring will be available through www.golfstatresults.com.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, TRC gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
