PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – After having her second round suspended during action at the 2017 NAIA Women’s Golf National Championships, senior Amy Ahlers saw her remarkable collegiate career come to a conclusion on Thursday. Ahlers carded identical scores of 41 on her front and back nines for a 10-over-par 82 in her second 18 at Squire Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
During her stay in Florida, Ahlers shot an 88 on Tuesday and then completed her second round with nine holes both Wednesday and Thursday. With her two-round total of 88-82–170, Ahlers missed the cut. Champion of the GPAC, Ahlers did not have the opportunity to play three rounds, as originally scheduled, due to rainy conditions that wreaked havoc on the tournament.
Despite failing to make the cut at nationals, Ahlers departs Concordia as the most accomplished golfer in the history of the program.
“This has been such an incredible experience,” Ahlers said. “Florida is wonderful. My heart honestly is so full after the sunshine, the laughs and the adventure. I’m just grateful that I was given the opportunity to compete down here this week, alongside some awesome competitors. I wish I could redo about four holes, but it is what it is.
“Over the years, golf has introduced me to the most amazing people, allowed me to see the most beautiful places and taught me the most valuable lessons. Thinking about all of that makes me take a step back and not be sad that it’s over, but so happy that it happened.”
The highlight of Ahlers’ final nine holes was a birdie on the par four hole 13. The final two holes of her career resulted in pars. The solid finish helped her improve her second round total by six strokes.
During her four years, Ahlers rewrote the program record book, setting new standards for a single round and season average. She won 11 events and became the first GPAC champion in program history. Not only that, Ahlers is a CoSIDA Academic All-American and a Scholar-Athlete.
“It’s huge for our program,” Muller said of Ahlers’ appearance at nationals. “It’s a great way for Amy to finish her career. She’s put in a ton of time and hard work. It was always a goal for her to finish her season at the national tournament. It’s very special for her. It didn’t go the way we wanted it to go. She knew going into today that this was probably it, but I’m very proud of what Amy has accomplished over her four years. She’s been our leader. She’s a very supportive and fantastic team captain for us.”