Monday, September 10
Anaconda, MT (Old Works GC)
9 a.m.
Montana State University
vs
Battle at Old Works
Montana State Begins 2018-19 Golf Season Hosting Battle at Old Works
9/7/2018 8:11:00 AM | Women's Golf
The Bobcat golf team makes its debut this fall when MSU co-hosts the Battle at Old Works in Anaconda, Mont., starting on Monday
BOZEMAN, Mont. – The arrival of fall is a welcome one for the Montana State golf team. While the 2019 Big Sky Conference Championship remains months away, the Bobcats look to begin early preparations for it on a high note when MSU co-hosts the Battle at Old Works in Anaconda on Monday, Sept. 10.
MSU, along with Montana, serve as the in-state schools among eight institutions competing in the tournament at Old Works Golf Course. Being held for the second time at the course between the Treasure State's Division I universities, the Battle at Old Works provides a solid season-opening event for the Bobcats and the tournament field.
"I think it's exciting just because it's only an hour and a half away," Montana State head coach Brittany Basye said. "It's a little bit easier on the team right out of the shoot. We don't have to take a flight, we can leave a day later, we get some more time to get organized. It's more of a relaxed feeling.
"The weather looks good. It's kind of fun to have a Division I tournament in Montana with MSU and Montana hosting it."
At the first edition of the tournament in 2017, North Dakota State won the team title by registering an 878 over three rounds. Cal State Fullerton followed with an 887 to place second. Both teams return to the 2018 field which also consists of Eastern Washington, Gonzaga, Idaho State and Weber State.
Old Works was reborn in 1994 on the site of Anaconda's historic century old copper smelter. Featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature design, the golf course has routinely ranked among the best public courses in the United States over the years.
The Battle at Old Works opens play with a 9 a.m. shotgun start on Monday. The first and second rounds take place on the opening day, while the final round of 18 holes starts at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
"We added Weber State and Gonzaga, NDSU is coming back to reclaim its title and I think it's just a fun golf course to play at," Basye said. "The coaches understand that and you get a chance to come to Montana when it's fairly nice.
"We want to build the tournament to be bigger each year and get more teams involved, but the strength of the teams we have coming to it is good. We get to get out of the gate seeing some competition from the Big Sky Conference which I think is important as well."
The Bobcats finished seventh as a team in the 2017 tournament by firing a 910. Leading the way for MSU was Kelly Hooper, who tied for third overall with a 2-over-par 218. Clare Dittemore placed among the top 20 in the individual standings to also pace the Bobcat contingent.
Five student-athletes return to the program heading into the 2018-19 season with four newcomers wearing Blue and Gold for the first time on Monday. The five returners all played at the 2017 Battle at Old Works. A mix of veteran and new faces makes the season-opening meet an intriguing one for the Bobcats.
"The excitement is there and everybody is revved up for it," Basye said. "We've had several days of qualifying and I think we're not quite where we want to be. My expectations are high, but I think it will change we get into tournament mode. Practice mode versus tournament mode is very different. You put the uniform on, you have the tee time, so I think that will change.
"The team dynamic is awesome. Practices have been good with the girls pushing each other. We just need to be consistent and that's going to be the key word all season."
Montana State is scheduled to appear in four tournaments during the course of the fall portion of its 2018-19 slate.
MSU, along with Montana, serve as the in-state schools among eight institutions competing in the tournament at Old Works Golf Course. Being held for the second time at the course between the Treasure State's Division I universities, the Battle at Old Works provides a solid season-opening event for the Bobcats and the tournament field.
"I think it's exciting just because it's only an hour and a half away," Montana State head coach Brittany Basye said. "It's a little bit easier on the team right out of the shoot. We don't have to take a flight, we can leave a day later, we get some more time to get organized. It's more of a relaxed feeling.
"The weather looks good. It's kind of fun to have a Division I tournament in Montana with MSU and Montana hosting it."
At the first edition of the tournament in 2017, North Dakota State won the team title by registering an 878 over three rounds. Cal State Fullerton followed with an 887 to place second. Both teams return to the 2018 field which also consists of Eastern Washington, Gonzaga, Idaho State and Weber State.
Old Works was reborn in 1994 on the site of Anaconda's historic century old copper smelter. Featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature design, the golf course has routinely ranked among the best public courses in the United States over the years.
The Battle at Old Works opens play with a 9 a.m. shotgun start on Monday. The first and second rounds take place on the opening day, while the final round of 18 holes starts at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
"We added Weber State and Gonzaga, NDSU is coming back to reclaim its title and I think it's just a fun golf course to play at," Basye said. "The coaches understand that and you get a chance to come to Montana when it's fairly nice.
"We want to build the tournament to be bigger each year and get more teams involved, but the strength of the teams we have coming to it is good. We get to get out of the gate seeing some competition from the Big Sky Conference which I think is important as well."
The Bobcats finished seventh as a team in the 2017 tournament by firing a 910. Leading the way for MSU was Kelly Hooper, who tied for third overall with a 2-over-par 218. Clare Dittemore placed among the top 20 in the individual standings to also pace the Bobcat contingent.
Five student-athletes return to the program heading into the 2018-19 season with four newcomers wearing Blue and Gold for the first time on Monday. The five returners all played at the 2017 Battle at Old Works. A mix of veteran and new faces makes the season-opening meet an intriguing one for the Bobcats.
"The excitement is there and everybody is revved up for it," Basye said. "We've had several days of qualifying and I think we're not quite where we want to be. My expectations are high, but I think it will change we get into tournament mode. Practice mode versus tournament mode is very different. You put the uniform on, you have the tee time, so I think that will change.
"The team dynamic is awesome. Practices have been good with the girls pushing each other. We just need to be consistent and that's going to be the key word all season."
Montana State is scheduled to appear in four tournaments during the course of the fall portion of its 2018-19 slate.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
/ Women's Golf
Coach Spalding on next week's home event
Thursday, September 27
Bobcat Invitational 2012
Tuesday, September 25
Coach Basye - Aug.28
Tuesday, September 25
Montana State Women's Golf Indoor Facility
Tuesday, September 25
