The UK women’s golf team placed fourth out of 16 teams with a 881 (17-over par) while hosting the Bettie Lou Evans Invitational at the University Club of Kentucky (par 72) this weekend. 

Grace Rose captured her first career tournament title and UK’s first individual tournament championship this year. Rose shot a 4-under-par in the final round to give Rose her 211 overall score, which is a career best. Rose’s 211 is now the lowest 54-hole score in the 28 years of the tournament. 

“I know that winning this tournament is an honor because Bettie Lou has made such a big impact on this program, for women’s golf in Kentucky,” Rose said in a press release.

“I know she set out to win, and for her to pull through, being a senior and in her first and only home tournament that we’ve hosted (is great),” UK head coach Golda Borst said when asked about Rose in the press release. “She had a ton of family out there. She really, really, stayed in the moment and I’m really excited and I’m really proud of her and her entire family.”   

After the first 18 holes, UK sat in second place with an even-par, behind Notre Dame. Ale Walker and Rose were tied for first after they each shot 3-under par (69). However, Walker had to withdraw after the second round due to injury. 

The day was also highlighted by Leonie Bettel’s first career hole-in-one at hole No. 8.

Isabelle Johansson finished with the fifth top-10 finish of her career with a 4-over-par 220. Claire Carlin, who was UK’s final scorer, scored a 76 in the final round and to finish with a 230 overall score, tied for 36th.

The Cats hosted their first tournament in six years. The tournament was originally scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with 18 holes being played on each day, but the weather forced the final round to be played on Sunday.

The Bettie Lou Evans tournament, previously know as the Wildcat Fall Invitational, has been played since 1979.

“I think everybody did a great job. I’m proud of it, and it’s good when you can walk away saying you’re proud of your event,” Borst said in the press release. “I can’t wait to host in future years.”

The Cats will take a two-week break before participating in the Cardinal Cup in Simpsonville, Kentucky, on Oct. 21-22.  The team will then play Oct. 27-29 at the Landfall Tradition in Wilmington, North Carolina.