Nov. 11, 2006
LAKELAND, Fla. – Noriko Nakazaki (Hanover Park, Ill./Hoffman Estates), a senior on the Notre Dame women’s golf team, finished in a tie for 13th at the Duramed Futures Tour 2007 Qualifying Tournament in Lakeland, Fla. (Nov. 7-10). Nakazaki, who was playing as an amateur in the professional event, fired a four-over par, 72-hole total of 292 (74-70-75-73). The finish gives the Irish co-captain an exemption for other Futures Tour events.
Nakazaki carded an even-par 36-hole total of 144 to make the cut and advance to the final two rounds of play. Golfers that finished in the top 30 of the event received an exemption for other tournaments on the Futures Tour. In-Kyung Kim won the tournament with a seven-under par 281 (71-72-70-68) total.
“This tournament was a lot of fun,” says Nakazaki. “I saw a lot of people who I’ve played against in college and it was nice to see them again. I was also pleased with the fact I was able to play so well against the competition that was there.”
Nakazaki’s plan is to play more Futures Tour events once her collegiate career is over in the spring. Her goal is to get enough experience in those tournaments before going to qualifying school for the Japan LPGA Tour, which takes place next September and October.
“It is definitely a confidence building tournament for me,” states Nakazaki. “I had been practicing so much for this tournament and it was nice to go out and play well.”
The senior posted a 74.93 scoring average during the Irish fall season, which concluded two weeks ago. She is on pace to eclipse her own school stroke average record for a single season, which is 75.41 from last year. Nakazaki’s career average of 75.91 is currently first in the Notre Dame women’s golf record books.
For more information on the Futures Tour, log on to futurestour.com.
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