Women's Golf | February 21, 2018
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan golf team heads out to its home away from home, Rio Verde, Ariz., to host the 2018 Rio Verde Invitational on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
WMU returns to the Rio Verde Country Club to host the tournament for the 16th straight year. Joining the Broncos in the field this weekend is Akron, Arkansas State, Ball State, Bowling Green State, Bradley, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Illinois State, Missouri State, Northern Illinois, Ohio, Seton Hall, University Arkansas Little-Rock, University Missouri Kansas City, Wichita State, and Xavier. EMU won the tournament last season and are currently tied with Notre Dame, Kansas, Michigan and Notre Dame for most wins with two. Arkon's Danielle Nicholson returns and looks to become the first player in tournament history to win in back-to-back years.
"It is another great field this year," said head coach Elise Swartout-Mosher. "Eight of the 10 Mid-American Conference schools are here competing. The Rio Verde Invitational has really become as tamp on team's schedules year in and year out and 2018 is no different."
One big change for this year's tournament is the course. The past three have been on Rio Verde Country Club's White Wing Course. This weekend the teams will tackle Quail Run. The last time the tournament was held on the Quail Run course was in 2014, with Xavier coming away as the winner. Quail Run measures out to 6,128 yards and is a par 72. No one on the current WMU roster has played on the Quail Run course.
"I'm excited more than anything to play the Quail Run course," said senior Julia Champion. "I believe that it will be a fair test for all teams and players. Playing a new course comes with challenges in itself, but also gives players the opportunity to cultivate their creative side when figuring out how to navigate the course."
For Champion, who has won three tournaments in the past two seasons, it will also be her final trip to the Rio Verde Invitational.
"What makes the tournament so special is how unique this event is," added Champion. "All of us at WMU look forward to it because of the overall atmosphere created by our coaches, teammates, family and supporters. The great weather, having our families fly out to watch us play, staying in the Rio Verde community with host families and all attending the ranch party before the final round are all part of what makes it such a special experience. "
With her career winding down, Champion has been able to draw on her coach, who experienced her final Rio Verde Invitational back in 2011.
"Julia has gotten off to a great start this season and played very well this past fall," said Swartout-Mosher. "As a senior, we have talked about really enjoying the moments. Being able to look around and soak it all in is the best advice I can give to her. I certainly look back fondly of the memories I have from Rio Verde as a player."
Practice rounds begin on Thursday, with the tournament officially starting on Friday. Live results will be available at Golfstat.com.
