If you had asked her last fall, KU senior Lily Hirst would’ve told you that it was only a matter of time before she stood alone at the top of the medal stand at a college tournament.
Turns out, she would’ve been right.
One of the most consistent players for Kansas throughout their red-hot season so far, Hirst brought home her first collegiate individual title this week by firing a 3-under par 69 on Monday at the Match in the Desert at Superstition Mountain Golf Course in Arizona.
Hirst’s 69, which was one of just 4 scores under par at the 42-player event, paved the way for the Jayhawks to take home the team title, as well.
The 24th-ranked Jayhawks, who ended the fall season with three consecutive team victories, picked up where they left off by winning their fourth consecutive tournament with a team score of 290 (+2), three strokes better than runner-up Arizona State.
Not only did that feat extend their school record of consecutive tournament wins by one, but it also established a new program record for most tournament wins in a single season.
KU's individual scores in Arizona
• Lily Hirst - 69 (1st)
• Lauren Clark - 72 (T5th)
• Ebba Nordstedt (B) - 74 (T11th)
• Johanna Ebner - 74 (T11th)
• Amy DeKock - 74 (T11th)
• Ruth Toennessen (B) - 75 (T15th)
• Lyla Louderbaugh - 76 (T20th)
• Anna Wallin (B) - 80 (T37th)
• Lauren Madson (B) - 82 (T40th)
Hirst, a senior from Huddersfield, United Kingdom, did most of her damage on the front nine. She birdied four of her first six holes en route to a nine-hole score of 33 and then played the back nine even with nine pars. Her only blemish all day was a bogey 6 at the 7th hole. Otherwise it was one bogey, four birdies and 13 pars.
Throughout her Kansas career, Hirst has made consistent progress, focusing on subtle, steady play as she sought to round out her game. Like many college golfers, she has hopes of a professional career after she finishes school, and her international experience — including tournament wins back home when school is not in session — has her loaded with experience, which already is paying off in what has proven to be a special season for the Jayhawks.
Hirst mixes equal parts preparation and focus with lighthearted joy for the game and has found a beautiful balance throughout the 2024-25 season.
Counting this week’s win, she now has a stroke average of 72.1 per round in five tournaments and 12 rounds.
Four of her five outings have resulted in top-10 finishes, with three of them landing in the top 5. In addition to this week’s win, she finished tied for fourth at both the Golfweek Red Sky Classic and the White Sands Bahamas Invitational.
The Jayhawks still have four tournament remaining this spring before turning their attention to the postseason, first at the Big 12 Championships in mid-April and then the NCAA Regionals that follow in early May.
Next up, they’ll head to Orlando, Florida for the 2025 PDI Intercollegiate early next week at Eagle Creek Golf Club.
Last year, the Jayhawks finished second at this event, with a team score of 851 (-13), including a 9-under-par final round.
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