(Note: This story will be updated tonight with the conclusion of the second wave of tee times in the 156-player and 30-team field).
Senior Beth Coulter led the Sun Devil women’s golf squad to a solid start super early Thursday morning at the 2026 NCAA Championships at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad.
Coulter shot a 3-under 69 in the first round with no bogeys and three birdies at the 6,271-yard course in her 34th round of the season. The 69 matched her lowest score of the year, as she shot a 69 in the third round of the Mason Rudolph Championship on Sept. 21 and at the Dr. Donnis Invitational in Hawaii on March 17.
“Overall, I am pretty pleased with how we played this morning, said Sun Devil head coach Missy Farr-Kaye. “We just have to finish stronger and I know we will. Coach Heisey and I will work with the team and implement some adjustments tonight. Beth got off to an outstanding start. She set the tone for us…not surprised to see a senior step up in this moment. She knows this course well and gained a ton of confidence today.”
“Considering it was her first NCAA Championship round, I thought Fai had some bright spots. She needs to clean up in some areas, but her future is so bright. I am excited to see what she learned from today’s round and the improvements she shows tomorrow. We have the afternoon session Friday, which means we have to prepare differently. It will be a benefit to be able to sleep in and get a good night of rest, but we are also very aware that the wind is also stronger later in the day. Our group will be ready for the challenge.”
Coulter started the day with a birdie on the par-5 No. 10, and also birdied the par-3 No. 16 and par-5 second hole.
“It was a solid start, but I still left some shots out there,” noted Coulter. “If I could’ve converted on a few more close birdie opportunities, it would have taken my round to another level. Regardless, I am pleased with a bogey-free round and playing well for my team. I enjoy playing this course and have learned a lot about it having played it the past two years. It was a little different with the early morning tee times, but the course was in great shape. Definitely challenging, a great test for a championship. I can’t wait to get back out there and compete for my team.”
“It was definitely on my mind to get off to a strong start with it being my last college tournament. I tried to lean on my experience and play with confidence. I credit Coach Missy and Coach…
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