Kiawah Island, S.C. ? Kansas University senior golfer Yupaporn Kawinpakorn rallied from four strokes back in the final round to win the Palmetto Intercollegiate on Tuesday at Turtle Point Golf Course.
Kawinpakorn fired a 2-under 70 for a 54-hole total of 3-under 213, three strokes ahead of second-place Laura Fuenfstueck of the College of Charleston.
It was Kawinpakorn’s third straight individual title and her fourth career victory. The last Jayhawk to win three straight individual titles was Holly Reynolds in 1992-93. Kawinpakorn also earned her 14th career top-five finish, a KU record.
“(Monday) I thought so many things could happen out there, especially with the storm,” Kawinpakorn said. “I told myself to stay focused and not let the rainy conditions get into my head.”KU placed eighth in the 20-team tournament with a 34-over 898 total. Furman won with an 11-over 875.
“Mook finished her round strong with two birdies to secure the win which was great to see her do,” KU 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.”
Other KU scores: Ariadna Fonseca Diaz (T38, 227), Laine Evans (T 45, 228), Pitsinee Winyarat (T57, 230) and Kallie Gonzales (T95, 247).
“While we did move up a spot today in the standings, we are not satisfied with our finish,” O’Neil said. “We have learned a lot this fall but need to continue to improve upon our weaknesses in the offseason.”
The tournament was KU’s last of the fall season. The Jayhawks will next play at the Arizona Wildcat Invitational on March 14-15.
Palmetto Intercollegiate
Monday at Turtle Point Golf Course
Par 72, 5,972 yards
Kiawah Island, S.C.
Team scores
1 . Furman 875 (+11)
2 . Chattanooga 882 (+18)
3 . Campbell 884 (+20)
4 . Augusta University 886 (+22)
5 . Illinois 887 (+23)
6 . Louisville 889 (+25)
7 . Coastal Carolina 894 (+30)
8 . Kansas 898 (+34)
T9 . Coll. of Charleston 901 (+37)
T9 . Kennesaw State 901 (+37)
11 . East Tenn, State 902 (+38)
12 . South Florida 909 (+45)
13 . Tulsa 910 (+46)
14 . Xavier 912 (+48)
15 . Charleston Southern 914 (+50)
16 . Boise State 921 (+57)
17 . Virginia Tech 923 (+59)
18 . Boston University 933 (+69)
19 . Maryland 935 (+71)
20 . Stetson 943 (+79)
Kansas Scores
1 . Yupaporn Kawinpakorn 213 (-3)
T38 . Ariadna Fonseca Diaz 227 (+11)
T45 . Laine Evans 228 (+12)
T57 . Pitsinee Winyarat 230 (+14)
T95 . Kallie Gonzales 247 (+31)
