The Sun Devil women’s golf team is getting some great play from senior Beth Coulter at the 2026 NCAA Championships at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad.
It also got a clutch bounce-back round from junior Patience Rhodes.
A day after shooting 3-under 69 in the first round with a super early tee time, Coulter went 2-under 70 in the tougher afternoon wave on Saturday and is tied for fourth and just one shot off the lead in the 156-player field. Coulter had six birdies Saturday including going back-to-back twice. Her nine birdies are second in the field (10 is most) and the 2.63 par-3 scoring and 3.90 par-4 scoring are tied for second-best.
ASU (289-292) shot 4-over 292 and is tied for ninth for at 5-over 581. The top-15 teams after Sunday advance to the final round on Monday, where the top eight teams advance to match play.
Another key was Patience Rhodes bouncing back with a 1-over 73 after shooting 9-over 81 in the first round. She posted sevens on two holes Friday and then got par and birdie on those same holes on Saturday.
Quoting Beth Coulter
On her mindset heading into the round
“I was focused on playing my game and not worrying about the standings. I know if I play well, that will take care of itself.”
On bouncing back from bogeys with birdies
“That was a key to my round. I was able to take it one hole at a time and tried not to let the previous hole impact the next. Leaning on my coaches in those moments really helps.”
On leading her team to a spot in Top-10
“It is super exciting that the team is in contention and playing for a chance to advance. Since it is my last tournament in college, I want to give it my all and perform for my teammates. I know they will be working hard to find success in the next round.”
First round Coulter recap
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. 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.
NCAA Women’s Golf Championship
May 22-27
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Carlsbad, Calif.
Par 72/6,271 yards
Team (Ranking/NCAA Championship Seed) Leaderboard
Stanford (1/1) 282-282=564/-12
USC (2/2) 281-286=567/-9
Oklahoma State (21/16) 283-286=569/-7
Iowa State (17/13)…
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