Golden Suns Win Southern Bancorp Title

Arkansas Tech University successfully defended its women’s golf team title at the Southern Bancorp Invitational at Big Creek Golf and Country Club in Mountain Home on Monday and Tuesday.

The Golden Suns posted team scores of 298-296 for a 594 total and a 13-stroke victory among a field of 10 teams. It marked the second consecutive year in which ATU cruised to victory in the event. The Suns won the 2016 Southern Bancorp Invitational by 17 strokes.

Arkansas Tech’s Pia Nunbhakdi won the 2017 individual championship at Big Creek after firing rounds of 73-73 for a total of 146.

Nunbhakdi’s ATU teammate Caroline Fredensborg, 2016 champion at the Southern Bancorp Invitational, finished tied for second in the 2017 event. Fredensborg shot 76-71 for a 147 total.

Anna Frandsen (T-6th, 74-76-150), Avery Struck (T-8th, 75-76-151) and Jessica Sachs (T-20th, 80-76-156) also contributed to the Golden Suns’ team score. Arkansas Tech’s Laura Gallizo (T-42nd, 85-83-168) competed as an individual.

The Golden Suns will host and play in the Central Region Spring Preview on Monday, April 10, and Tuesday, April 11, at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield, Mo.