Vanderbilt Athletics
A Vanderbilt Women's Golf player swings, as photographed on Feb. 3, 2025. (Vanderbilt Athletics)
No. 15 Vanderbilt Women’s Golf teed off its season in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, at the Grand Reserve Golf Club from Feb. 2-4. Looking to build on the momentum they garnered in the fall, the Commodores opened 2025 with a bang, carding 6-under and tying Ole Miss for second place.
Tillie Claggett, Angelina Tolentino, Ava Merrill, Lynn Lim and Sara Im filled out Vanderbilt’s lineup for the event.
On Day One, the women came to play, scoring a combined 5-under to take a 1-shot lead with three ‘Dores finishing the day in the top 15. They were led by four-time AJGA Rolex Junior All-American Sara Im and sophomore Ava Merrill. The pair of Georgia natives shot a 4-under 68 and a 3-under 69, finishing tied for second and fourth respectively to end the day. Their spectacular rounds were followed by Lynn Lim, who shot 1-under to finish tied for 15th place, and then by Tillie Claggett at 3-over and Angelina Tolentino at 4-over.
On Day Two, the entire team played stellar. They shot 6-under, finishing the day in first place with a commanding 5-shot lead at 11-under. Individually, the Commodores’ scores were also low, with four of five shooting under par, putting Merrill, Lim and Im all within the top 10 of individual play. The team combined for 29 birdies and 2 eagles through 36 holes and capitalized on the course’s par 5s, with the lowest scoring average of all teams at 4.8 strokes per hole.
On the tournament’s final day, the ‘Dores got off to a slow start and never regained their momentum, shooting 5-over on the day and finishing the tournament at 6-under, which was good enough for a tie at second with Ole Miss. The star team of the day was No. 2 Arkansas, which rallied by shooting 15-under, putting it at 19-under for the tournament — good enough for a 13-stroke win. They were led by first-year Clarisa Tremolo, who scored 6-under 66, tying for the week’s lowest score. Arkansas finished the tournament with a remarkable four players in the top 10 of individual play, realizing its high expectations before the tournament.
Vanderbilt’s strong team effort this weekend showcased its resilience and exceptional talent. According to head coach Greg Allen, this was the team’s first 18-hole play of the season because of a battle with sickness and bad weather. After the final round, Allen expressed disappointment in the outcome but optimism about the rest of the season.
“Today was a really good learning opportunity for us. Now, we need to get serious about letting today make us better,” Allen said. “Overall, though, what a solid start to the spring season.”
With a second place finish to start their 2025 season, the Commodores will try to build off their momentum as the weather gets nicer and play ramps up.
Vanderbilt will be back on the course on Feb. 13 for The Match at Ohoopee in Cobbtown, Georgia, hosted by Georgia Southern.