NCAA Golf News

Kou, Avery Have USC Near The Top At Icon Invitational

Kou, Avery Have USC Near The Top At Icon Invitational


Women’s Golf | February 27, 2023

Xin (Cindy) Kou fired a collegiate-best first-round 7-under 65 and fellow sophomore Amari Avery carded a second-round 67 to lead No. 11 USC to within three strokes of first during a 36-hole first round of the ICON Invitational at the Golf Club of Houston on Monday (Feb. 27).

The Trojans combined for a 22-under 554 (274-280) and are just behind first-place Texas A&M and second-place Iowa State as they try to defend their tournament title from 2022.

Kou, fresh off a tie for fifth two weeks ago at the Therese Hession Regional Challenge, is in the same spot after two rounds today, sitting at 9-under 135 (65-70), five off the lead.

Her morning 65, which featured seven birdies without a bogey, was her third round in the 60s this year and gives her 10 for her career, now tied for 13th on USC career chart. She was 1-over through 14 holes in the second round before closing with three birdies over her final four holes.

Avery had to overcome a rocky start to her tournament as she opened the first eight holes at 7-over. But she gathered herself and finished the final 10 holes at 4-under for a first-round 3-over 75. She then opened the second round with four birdies over her first six holes en route to 5-under 65 and is tied for 28th at 2-under 142 (75-67).

Avery’s 67 marks the seventh round in the 60s this season and her 17th of her Trojan career, putting her alone in fourth on USC’s career chart.

Freshman Catherine (Park (68-73) is tied for 25th at 3-under 141 thanks to a season-best effort in the first round.

Senior Malia Nam (69-73), also with a season-best in the opening round, and junior Brianna Navarossa (72-70) are tied for 29th at 2-under.

Junior Christine Wang, playing individually, is tied for 47th at 1-over 145 (77-68) after a Trojan career-best 68 in the second round.

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