Golf: Men and women both pick up early season victories

Northwestern’s golf teams got off to hot starts as the season opened, with the men picking up a Big Ten match play title, and the women snagging a Lady Puerto Rico Classic victory.

Sophomore Kelly Sim and freshman Irene Kim also won individual titles in Puerto Rico and at the Bruin Wave Classic, resulting in Sim receiving Big Ten golfer of the week honors. Everton Hawkins earned the same recognition after his performance in the match play event.

The men opened their season in fine form, travelling Florida for the Big Ten match play event. NU proceeded to defeat top-seed Nebraska en route to facing Penn State, where the ‘Cats came out victorious after the original match ended in a tie. The senior Hawkins and freshman James Imai both went 4-0 on the week, pacing the ‘Cats well, and Hawkins’ performance was enough to be named Big Ten golfer of the week.

Northwestern followed up the performance with a 10th place finish at the Prestige, Hawkins had another impressive performance, posting a team best score and establishing himself as an important part of the squad.

On the women’s side, the season kicked off in similar fashion, as Kim led the ‘Cats to a win at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic by winning the individual title. As a team, they followed up the win with a third place finish at the Bruin Wave Classic, but Sim kept the individual momentum up, picking up another individual title and Big Ten golfer of the week recognition.

As the spring season continues, both teams will have legitimate shots at winning silverware and making a run at nationals, as well as more Big Ten titles. Each team will travel next weekend, with the men going to Scottsdale for the Desert Mountain Collegiate, and the women going to Hilton Head for the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate.