Graceland Women’s Golf Gains Experience at Mt. Mercy Tournament

Marion, Iowa - he Graceland University women's golf team participated in the Mt. Mercy University Invitational, held September 7-8 at Hunters Ridge Golf Course. Despite competing short-handed and unable to post a team score, the Yellowjackets gained valuable tournament experience and showcased individual resilience in a competitive NAIA field. Head Coach Kevin Brunner emphasized the importance of this experience for his players, highlighting both progress and areas for improvement.

Rylee Zimmerman, a consistent contributor for Graceland, led the Yellowjackets with a solid showing on day one, carding an 81 to place within reach of the tournament's top performers. While the second day presented challenges, Zimmerman's performance underscored her ability to compete effectively in tough conditions. Coach Brunner commended her efforts, noting, "Rylee Zimmerman has shown consistent play, though she struggled on the second day. Her performance reflects her potential to remain a dependable player for our team."

Throughout the tournament, the Yellowjackets faced various course challenges at Hunters Ridge. Known for its undulating greens and strategically placed hazards, the course required careful shot placement and an adaptable short game, particularly under the brisk and variable winds over the weekend. Graceland's limited lineup meant each golfer needed to be at her best, with individual contributions forming the focal point of the Yellowjackets' strategy.

Zimmerman's 81 on the first day reflected her sound course management and effective iron play. However, shifting weather conditions added difficulty on day two, impacting scores across the field and testing players' adaptability. Though Zimmerman's performance slipped on the final day, her rounds demonstrated the focus and resilience necessary for her continued development as a central contributor to Graceland's women's golf program.

The Mt. Mercy University Invitational brought together a strong field of NAIA programs, offering Graceland valuable insight into the level of competition they'll continue to encounter throughout the season. Though unable to record an official team score, the tournament offered the Yellowjackets a critical opportunity to gauge their progress and set performance goals for the weeks ahead.

Coach Brunner reflected on the tournament as an essential step for his roster, noting that while the team competed short-handed, they gained necessary exposure to the challenges of a rigorous NAIA season. "The women competed shorthanded, which prevented us from posting a team score," Brunner observed. "Still, they showed effort, and Rylee's consistency on day one was promising, even though the second day posed some setbacks. We'll continue working to strengthen our game as we move forward."

With the next tournament set for Wednesday, September 19, the Yellowjackets will look to build on their Hunters Ridge experience. Graceland will compete at the Simpson Invitational, hosted at Indianola Country Club in Indianola, Iowa. The meet will provide Graceland an additional opportunity to hone their skills in a field of conference and non-conference opponents.

For more information on the Graceland women's golf team and all Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.