PHOENIX – Washington State women's golf sophomore Madelyn Gamble finished the 2023 Pac-12 Women's Golf Championship in a tie for third place to match WSU Hall of Famer Kim Welch for the best finish by a Coug at the Pac-12 Championship in school history.
Gamble finished her historic run at the Papago Golf Club by carding 1-under 71 during Wednesday's third round to conclude the Pac-12 Women's Golf Championship at 4-under 212. The Pleasant Hill, California native became the first WSU women's golfer to card under par in all three rounds at a Pac-12 Championship, as she posted scores of 71-70-71 to finish the tournament in a tie for third.
With her third-place finish, Gamble matches former LPGA Tour competitor and WSU Hall of Famer Kim Welch for the best finish at a Pac-12 Championship in program history, which Welch set back in 2005 by also finishing tied for third. Meanwhile, Gamble's three-round score of 4-under 212 is one stroke shy of matching Welch's school record for the lowest 54-hole score at a Pac-12 Championship, which Welch also set at the 2005 Championship.
"Stellar play, consistent play from Madelyn this week finishing in a well-earned tie for third," said WSU Women's Golf Head Coach Sofie Aagaard. "She was striking the ball well from tee to green and rolling her putts with great speed all three rounds. She managed the firm and fast greens well and wasn't bothered by the stronger winds we had in the last nine holes in the last round."
Washington State ended the 2023 Pac-12 Women's Golf Championship by posting the second-best three-round score at a Pac-12 Championship in school history, as the Cougars shot 893 (+29). WSU posted scores of 297-293-303 at this year's Championship to finish 10th overall. Washington State's second-round score of 293 matched the second-best score in an individual round at a Pac-12 Championship in program history.
"We had glimpses of great play from the team this week, which is encouraging looking to the future of this young team, with three freshmen and a sophomore in the lineup at this year's Pac-12 Championship," Aagaard added.
No. 14-ranked Southern California won the 2023 Pac-12 Women's Golf Championship, as the Trojans posted a score of 15-under 849. Stanford's Rose Zhang captured the individual title at the Pac-12 Championship with a three-day score of 12-under 204.
The Pac-12 Network will air a Pac-12 Women's Golf Championship special, which includes recaps and trophy presentations, with Guy Haberman and AJ McCord this Thursday, April 20, at 7 p.m. PT.
Washington State's season will come to an end as a team at the 2023 Pac-12 Championship, however fifth-year senior Darcy Habgood, who earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors after the Pac-12 Championship, is in the mix for an at-large bid at the NCAA Women's Golf Regionals. Regional selections for the 2023 NCAA DI women's golf championship will be announced on the Golf Channel at 10 a.m. PT Wednesday, April 26, and shortly after that on NCAA.com. Washington State will be one of six schools to host an NCAA Regional this season. Play will take place May 8-10 at Palouse Ridge Golf Club.
For more information on the Washington State women's golf team, follow @WSUWomensGolf on Instagram and @WSUCougarWGolf on Facebook and Twitter.
