April 5, 2010
By Sean Simon
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Former UCF women's golf standout Stephanie Connelly is finding hardly any sand traps on her dream journey towards a LPGA tour bid. The class of 2009 alumnus turned pro after joining the Duramed FUTURES Tour in February of last year. In that span, Connelly has continued to find marvelous success as she did during her three years at UCF.
A few weeks ago, Connelly recorded her best tournament finish as a pro tying for 10th at the 2010 Florida's Natural Charity Classic in Winter Haven, Fla. on March 19-21. Her 36-hole 143 (-1) score gave her the first top-10 finish of her professional career. "I worked a lot with my instructor in the off season and it was good to see all the work come out on the course," Connelly said. "I was very pleased and I'm hopeful for a lot more of those coming up."
Connelly was competing in high level tournaments long before she ever wore black and gold. She previously played three events on the tour as an amateur from 2002-06, making the cut in each of her first two professional events. Connelly made her professional debut in the Ladies Titan Tire Challenge on June 5, 2009 in Marion, Iowa and carded a 68 to tie for second on the day on the strength of a back-nine 33. She would finish the three-day event with a 54-hole 217 (+1) to tie for 23rd place. Connelly also shot a 217 two weeks later at The Duramed Championship in Mason, Ohio to tie for 39th place overall.
While at UCF, Connelly carded three top-10 finishes, including one win, en route to setting the lowest career stroke average of any Knight all-time at 76.23.
After leading the Knights to a NCAA Regional tournament berth her senior year, Connelly qualified for the Championships as an individual by placing second overall in an elite field. At nationals, with pars on her final six holes, Connelly ended the four-day tournament with a total score of 297 (+9) (72-74-75-76) to finish in a tie for 11th in the nation.
While on tour, Connelly keeps updated on the Knights' progress through UCFAthletics.com and her former UCF teammates. Her black and gold pride was evident when asked her thoughts on the team's tournament win at the Hurricane Invitational in Miami Lakes, Fla. in February. "I was at work and didn't get to see how they finished, but then Katie [Detlefsen] sent me a text message of the trophy and I was very excited and proud of them."
Connelly next competes when she rejoins the Duramed FUTURES Tour at the Daytona Beach Invitational at the LPGA International Champions Course in Daytona Beach, Fla. on April 9-11. "I like the course. It sets up well for me, and it's always good to play tournaments on courses you're familiar with," Connelly said. "It should be really fun. Some of my friends from school [UCF] are coming, and my Dad is able to come down, so I should have a little crowd. It's always fun to have someone there supporting you and help you feel relaxed."
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.