Nov. 13, 2009
LAS VEGAS - Although their fall schedule is done, UNLV women's golfers Therese Koelbaek and Natasha Krishna are still turning in strong performances on the golf course, as the duo recently competed in two tournaments.
Koelbaek, a junior who is a two time honorable-mention All-American, played for her native Denmark at the Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship held at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas. The tournament featured the world's best amateur men and amateur women golfers as they represented their respective country in team and individual competitions. The 80 participants enjoyed an Olympic-like experience from the opening and closing ceremonies, the international village and competing for gold medals.
She and teammate Line Vedel Hansen helped Denmark tie for fourth place overall with a four-round score of 11-under 277, which wrapped up play on Nov. 7. The United States finished with the top women's team score, carding a total of 24-under, which was seven strokes better than Korea. Columbia took third place with a 13-under, followed by Denmark, England and France in fourth.
"It was probably the most fun I have had at a tournament this year," Koelbaek said. "It is always special to have the opportunity to represent your country, and doing it well is a great feeling. It was an amazing experience to play in front of that big of a crowd and live cameras, and I have learned a lot from this tournament."
Krishna, a senior who is a three time All-Mountain West Conference selection, finished tied for 54th at the Duramed FUTURES Tour 2010 Qualifying Tournament, which was held in Florida. Players played 18 holes over four days, with cuts happening after each round, and the final round took place at Lake Regional Yacht & Country Club in Winter Haven on Nov. 6.
Contestants were competing to gain or retain status for the tour's 2010 season and Krishna totaled a 72-hole score of 372 (+12) to earn a spot on the tour. Once she graduates in the spring and finishes her collegiate career, Krishna will join the Duramed FUTURES Tour.
"I hadn't been playing well this season and I knew that this tournament was going to be mentally tough," Krishna said. "I just played it one shot at a time, one hole at a time, one day at a time, and played well. Having the opportunity to turn pro is something I have dreamed of since I started playing golf seriously. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to do it and for the support I've had from my family and UNLV."
Former Rebel golfer Seema Sadekar also made the cut and she retained her status on the Duramed FUTURES Tour, tying for 78th with a score of 17-over 377.
