Incoming Freshman Collins Awarded Golfweek Honor

July 20, 2010

NORMAN, Okla. - If this summer is any indication, incoming freshman Emily Collins could end up having quite an impact on the 2010-11 Oklahoma women's golf team. Collins was recently named Golfweek's Junior Golfer of the Week after capturing the TPC Four Seasons Invitational title at the Four Seasons Resort in Irving, Texas.

In her first round of the 36-hole tournament, Collins boasted an impressive run of five straight birdies on holes 12-16. The birdie streak, including a chip-in from 25 feet out on the hole 12, propelled her to an opening-round score of 66 (-4).

Looking back on her round, Collins credits the birdie run to her ability to get on the green early and sink the mid-range putts.

“I was just trying to make pars,” said Collins. “I was on the back nine and already had a pretty good score. I just kept knocking them in close and couldn't miss any 10-foot putts.”

With a second-round score of 78 (+8), Collins finished in a two-way tie for first with a total of 144 (+4). A par on the second playoff hole was enough for Collins to edge her opponent and take home the tournament title.

A native of Colleyville, Texas, Collins has been spending the majority of her summer improving her game in preparation for collegiate competition. The soon-to-be-Sooner also won the Kathy Whitworth Invitational at Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, in March.

“I've been playing really well this summer,” Collins said. “It's been a really fun summer. I've had some really cool opportunities. Next month I'm going to Germany to compete in the German Junior Masters.”

Collins' success on the course this summer has caught the eye of OU head coach Veronique Drouin.

“Emily's game has definitely turned around this summer due to her dedication to golf and the hard work she's put in,” said Drouin. “According to the AJGA Polo Rankings, a year ago Emily was ranked No. 156. She's now ranked No. 31. She's played well and won some big tournaments.”

Collins hopes that her dedication to practice and competing in summer tournaments will put her in a position to contribute for the Sooners this coming season.

“I'm really excited about playing for OU this fall,” said Collins. “I hope I can help the team. I really want to win.”