24 Jul 2024 Two UCA golfers claim top spots at Central Arkansas Open
CONWAY — The Genesis of Conway Central Arkansas Open saw a couple of Bears claim the top spots in the event. Sophomore Valeria Ramirez cruised to a seven-stroke win over four rounds, and Madison Holmes finished behind her teammate, tying for second place in the Collegiate Series.
“I am so proud of Valeria this week. She carried herself very well and was in complete control of her game,” Head coach Summar Roachell said of Ramirez. “To go out and shoot an under par final round when tied for the lead is the sign of a true competitor. I couldn’t be happier for her and her family. A great first win in college and I couldn’t think of a better place to do it than right here in Conway!”
Ramirez opened play with a 3-under 69 in the first round, the only round among the field to clock in at under 70. She tallied four birdies on the opening round, and really never looking back. After scoring 75 and 76in the second and third rounds, respectively, the incoming junior was still atop the leaderboards, albeit in a tie for first place.
The Bogota, Colombia native responded with a clutch fourth round, scoring her second 18 holes under par to claim the victory. She birdied three more holes, including one on the ninth, her final hole of the day. She finished the Open as the only player with more than one round under par, capping a 3-over 291. Her final birdie count was 10, tied for the most among the Collegiate Series.
I had so much fun out there today! Conway is my second home and winning here means a lot,” Ramirez said of her win. “This win wouldn’t be possible without my family and coaches who are always there for me.”
Holmes took second place after playing very typical Madison Holmes golf. The incoming senior played every hole of four rounds within a stroke of par; she was one of two golfers to record zero double bogeys or worse. The Paragould, Arkansas native started her Open with a 77, finishing the first round in a tie for fourth place. She followed it up with the best score in the second round, capping a 74 to move into sole possession of fourth.
After a 75 in round three, Holmes found herself within shouting distance of second place, but it was going to take some work. In round four, she would score an even 72 to move up from fourth to a tie for second, closing a six-stroke gap to take a share of the runner-up position.
