Northwestern Women's Golf Fall Season Review

By Matt Bos, Northwestern Sports Information Director

ORANGE CITY, Iowa — The Northwestern College women’s golf team concluded its fall season at the second GPAC Qualifier, finishing third out of 11 teams with a 361. Coach Harold Hoftyzer’s squad was led by sophomore Taylor Kline (Glenrock, Wyo.), who finished third overall with a 10-over 83, four shots in back of the second-round winner (Dani Bellet-DWU). Northwestern remains in third place after the first two rounds of the GPAC Qualifer with a 36-hole total of 702 (341/361), nine shots in back of second place Morningside (693). Dakota Wesleyan is the leader after two rounds with a 669. Individually, Kline is the top Red Raider golfer and stands in third place with a two-round total of 167 (84/83). Emma Wynja, a freshman from Sioux Falls, S.D., is tied for sixth with a 172 (81/91).

“The quality and ability of this young team was evident by the low scores they posted in some not-so-ideal conditions,” commented head coach Harold Hoftyzer. “Once they completely begin to trust their abilities as a group, new Red Raider golf records will be set.”

The Raiders finished in the top five in all six fall events, claiming a second, three third, a fourth and a fifth place finish. The team posted a scoring average of 352, the best scoring average since the 2000 season, while also recording two of the top five lowest scores in the program’s history. They shot an impressive 333 at the Dordt Invite, matching the lowest team score (@ Dana in 2009) and also carded a 341 in the first round of the GPAC Qualifer, tying the fifth lowest total.

Northwestern turned in some outstanding individual performances as well with five players carrying a scoring average of 93 or better. Emma Wynja led Coach Hoftyzer’s squad with an 83.7 scoring average, finishing in the top five in four events and in the top 10 in all six events. Kline recorded a pair of top-10 finishes while holding an average of 87.6. Andria Hinz (Cottonwood, Minn.), the only senior on this year’s squad, has a 91.3 scoring average and one top-10 finish. Freshmen Betsy Wallin (Rosemount, Minn.) and Jess Locker (Orange City, Iowa) round out the varsity lineup with averages of 92.4 and 93.0 respectively.

“It was so exciting to see both Taylor and Emma accomplish what they did this fall as individuals,” said Hoftyzer. “They both are great teammates, humble in their abilities, yet driven to become better players. Andria, Jess and Betsy compliment both Taylor and Emma really well. Plus, the improved abilities of Elizabeth DeJong (Orange City, Iowa), Amanda Raak (Sioux Center, Iowa) and Leigh Van Hove (Worthington, Minn.), along with the rest of our younger players, our team’s spring season looks bright and very competitive.”

Coach Hoftyzer’s squad will resume play in the spring and will play in the final GPAC Qualifier rounds, hosted by Nebraska Wesleyan and Morningside.