Strand Named B1G Golfer of the Week

Kelli Ann Strand capped her first competitive week as a collegian by claiming Big Ten Women’s Golfer-of-the-Week honors, when the conference announced its weekly award on Thursday, Sept. 15.

Strand, a true freshman from Challis, Idaho, produced rounds of 67 and 65 on Monday, before adding a final-round 70 on Tuesday to claim the individual crown at the Green Wave Classic in New Orleans. Along the way, Strand set the Nebraska freshman record for lowest 18-hole score with her second-round 65 (-7) before matching Husker All-American Kate Smith’s school-record 202 (-14) for the best 54-hole tournament total in the program record book. Smith’s record performance came as a sophomore at the Westbrook Spring Invitational in Peoria, Ariz. (Feb. 25-26, 2018). Smith was an All-American and Big Ten Champion in 2021.

Strand, who fired a 29 (-7) over the back nine in Monday’s second round, opened with a 31 (-5) on the front nine Tuesday morning to take firm control of the individual leader board. She hit the turn to the back at 17-under-par through 45 holes. Her consecutive 18-hole score of 60 (-12) spanning the close of the second round and the start of the third round is remarkable, considering the NCAA single-round record is 61 (-11).

Strand’s performance over two days on the 6,158-yard layout of the Bayou Oaks South Course in New Orleans allowed her to capture a two-stroke victory over two-time LSU All-American and three-time Palmer Cup participant Latanna Stone, who took runner-up honors with a 204 (-12).

Strand led Nebraska to a runner-up team finish, as the Huskers notched a school-record team score of 835 (-29) over three rounds.

Strand and the Huskers return to action at the Badger Invitational on the University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Sept. 18-20.