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Illini, Wang, Post Historic Sweep at B1G Championship

Women’s Golf |

PITTSBURGH – The Illinois women’s golf team captured the first Big Ten title in program history by carding a final round 287 (+3) to finish the tournament at 13-over, backed by Crystal Wang firing an incredible 9-under 62 to finish at 12-under, earning medalist honors. The Fighting Illini’s overall score of 865 is the sixth-lowest score by a winning team in a 54-hole championship.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said head coach Renee Slone. “Honestly, I’m still soaking it all in. The team played hard start to finish and it was a total team effort. Everybody contributed and I’m just very proud of their energy, effort and resilience throughout the year.”

“Crystal was just doing Crystal stuff. She was in her own little world and as far as the shots that I saw, it was very impressive. She did a really good job of staying present and being in the moment. She saved her best for today and really brought it. She was the key component to our success.”

Wang became the first Illini since head coach Slone (formerly Heiken) in 1993 to win the Big Ten crown, doing so in completely dominant fashion. Not only does her score of 9-under match the program record for lowest round, her 62 is the lowest round at any conference tournament, while also besting the Big Ten Championship low round by one stroke. Wang’s overall score of 201 (-12) is the lowest 54-hole score at the Big Ten Championships, breaking the previous record by four strokes.

Wang got off to a blistering start, collecting birdies on the first four holes and in five of the first seven. The Diamond Bar, Calif, native didn’t slow down on the back, picking up five birdies on holes 10-15 to give her a total of nine birdies on the day.

“I started off with a couple birdies and that built my confidence,” Wang said. “I hit a lot of greens and I was able to make most putts within 15 feet, which helps a lot. I just continued to stay present and be where I’m at.”

“When I finished, I was kind of nervous on my last hole. Once I made the putt for par…I could just hear my teammates cheering, then I knew we won. Once I heard confirmation that we won, I just felt like everything we’ve worked on this past year, all the ups and downs, it was worth it.”

The graduate student was the only golfer in the field to finish under par, winning by 12 strokes. She led the field in par 3 (2.83, -2) scoring, par 4 (3.85, -5) and rolled home a tournament-high 17 birdies.

Wang (-1.45) also won the Mary Fossum Award, presented to the Big Ten golfer with the lowest stroke average relative to par this season, according to the Golfstat rankings, and was named to the Big Ten All-Championship team.

Also named to the all-championship team was Isabel Sy, who finished fourth after her final round 75 (+4). Sy went 1-over (37) on the front and 3-over (38) on the back to earn the best finish of her career and her third Top 5 finish of the season. Her 11 total birdies were third-most in the tournament and she matched Wang for the lowest scoring average on par 3s (2.83, -2).

Lexanne Halama finished tied for 30th after her final round 72 (+1). Halama posted a 37 (+1) on the front, racking up birdies in three of the final four holes. The Knoxville, Tenn., native shot even-par on back, collecting a massive birdie on No. 18 to end her round. The sophomore ends the tournament as one of five players to pick up an eagle over the weekend.

Siyan Chen finished tied for 34th after posting a final round 81 (+10). Mattie Frick placed tied for 65th after her round of 79 (+8) and Anna Ritter finished tied for 74th after her round of 78 (+7).

As a team, Illinois carded a tournament-high 54 birdies and finished with the second-lowest scoring average on par 5s (4.80, -11).

Earning the conference’s automatic bid for an NCAA regional birth, the Fighting Illini will find out where they will be traveling to on Wednesday, April 26, when the selections are announced at 12:00 p.m. CT.

 

Place Big Ten Championships RD1 RD2 RD3 FINAL
1 Illinois 286 292 287 865
1 Crystal Wang 71 68 62 201
4 Isabel Sy 69 70 75 214
T30 Lexanne Halama 78 77 72 227
T34 Siyan Chen 70 77 81 228
T65 Mattie Frick 76 80 79 235
T74 Anna Ritter 79 80 78 237

 

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Testimonials

I had the pleasure to be around Rose Zhang the entire day today with her service day with East West Bank I am also an ambassador and navigate their golf sector for them. She is a joy to be around and no coincidence she has had your guidance all her life. Thank you for being such a great role model for all of us, and the future of golf. Although we have never worked together but I’ve known you since I was a junior golfer, and you’ve impacted me in ways you don’t know as well. Whether it’s a quick passing by on the range seeing me and a quick chat, or when you’re slammed with lessons and call me over to give me info about my swing. For all that and more you are the best.
Ben Lein
Ben Lein
Congratulations on the impact you are having on the game of golf by developing young talent in the women's game. Having played at the highest level and know the talent Rose brings to the LPGA, it goes without saying you are making a difference in the lives of those around you. I look forward to getting to know you more.
Lisa Strom,
Head Women's Golf CoachThe Ohio State University
As George’s student for the past 6 years, to say that he has helped my golf game is an understatement. When I first came to him when I was 11, his way of teaching really intrigued me with all the technology he had including Trackman, his side/front swing cameras, and his large TV’s. With the technology and his ability to analyze my swing effectively, my game has really improved greatly in each stage of junior and amateur golf. George has been a critical part of my development as a player both physically and mentally as he has provided me great advice not only in golf but in life as well. I am definitely extremely grateful and blessed to have him as a coach, mentor, and friend.
Rose ZhangNovember 2020
You are a fighter with a kind and big heart to create miracles in your players. We all should learn the life lessons, attitude and the tenacious fighting spirit that you have toward difficulties that you face. The fact that you will drive all the way to The Olympic Club, in San Francisco and back, proves that you are a real champion deserving of all the accolades, titles and trophies that your player’s win. I learned so much in so short a time while spending time with you at The Open. Your hard work ethics are a good path for me to follow. We, and all of those who you touch, owe you a deep, thank you, from the heart. If I had a coach like you, I would give everything I have to fight for victories. It was my honor to push your scooter at The Open.
Enbo Zhang
In this time of Thanksgiving, we want to express our appreciation for you. Working with you has been an amazing opportunity. We appreciate your high standards, your persistence, your encouragement, and your sense of humor.
Chloe Lam and Family
Shot 64 to finish 2nd stage Japan Q-school to finish 3rd!!! It's been a great month of golf for me so far thanks to George Pinnell!
Rory Hie2 time NCAA All-American (USC)
I have been working with George since I was 14. George has given me a tremendous amount of help with all parts of the game including the swing, short game and putting as well as the mental part of my game. George’s knowledge and experience gives him the ability to be direct and speak to what changes should be made to improve my performance. Most important, he loves what he does and he is driven by that love. He cares about, and checks scores, for every single tournament his players compete in, no matter how big or small the tournament is. The information and support he gives to his players is really valuable. George once told me that “a player doesn’t know how good a coach is, until they know how much he or she, cares.” He is really good at reading players minds, so be prepared to communicate. George and I have become good friends during our time spent together during the last few years.
Nicole ZhangNovember, 2020
My first lesson with George was 3 years ago. During my first few classes, George already corrected nearly unnoticeable but very crucial mistakes in just my set up that I had never even realized. His ability to recognize anything from small details to major mistakes has greatly improved the consistency of my swing. Furthermore, George has shown genuine care for my mental and wellbeing outside of lessons when I’m traveling for a golf tournament. He is always there to check in with how I am feeling before and after the rounds. Thanks to George, I am always able to find my confidence again and focus on my game. I am truly grateful for everything George has taught me in both golf and life.
Charissa ShangJunior Ranked Player
Coach George has been a critical factor for my daughter, Angie Zhang, in her golf pursuit. Before our friend referred us to Coach George, Angie was at a standstill and shot in the upper 80s and even 90s with consistent back pain after her freshman Fall season in December 2019. That was very frustrating since she started golf late and had only been playing for two and half years. George graciously took her in and then trained her with his life-lessons, his advanced technology equipment, skillful instructions, and star-student- role-model setting. George quickly put her back on track for progress and health. Within a little over half year, he was able to get Angie's confidence back and she started shooting within 70s which was previously very rare for her. We are so lucky to be working with a truly talented coach. We could not thank George enough for devoting some of his time to Angie's interest!
Yingxia CaoMother of Angie Zhang's
My daughter Alice ziyi Zhao is lucky and proud to have George Pinnell as her golf coach, she likes his teaching very much. she improved much under his good teaching and is on the way to succeed as a junior golfer step by step. His way of teaching golf is very professional, and he is very experienced and nice with good personality. He not only teaches Alice the skill of golf technology , but also he teaches her mental guidance and how to become a good player. He knows how to encourage golfers to face the challenges and he knows everything about the growth of a good junior golfer in the process. He also teaches parents some advanced ideas about golf and how to become a good parent of a good golfer. we learned a lot from him. Thank you for all to George Pinnell!
Elena LiangMother of Alice Ziyi Zhao
For us, Coach George Pinnell has been the best coach ever to help my daughter Alesia Barry succeed as a junior golfer. He is very experienced and is truly an amazing person. And not only does he teach my daughter golf skills, he also coaches her on mental guidance and how to be a better person. And as a parent I learn quite a bit from him as well. He has a very personal style where he has individual chats with her, where he listens to her as much as she listens to him. This is where I think some of the best teaching happens. I only wish we could see him more often.
Victoria ZhangMother of Alesia Barry
Over the past three years, George has been my coach/swing coach. I’ve struggled so much through my high school career, but George was always there to guide me in the right direction. He believes so much in his players and loves what he is doing to help junior golfers grow. Now I’m going to Seattle University on a golf scholarship, I can certainly say that I’ve grow a tremendous amount as an athlete in the golf game and as a wholesome individual because of his genuine care and teachings. Thanks for everything George.
Keisha Lugito
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