Pine Prairie native and current Junior Ole Miss golfer Julia Johnson recently tied the NCAA mark for the lowest individual round (61), as she led her team to the Battle of the Beach title held in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
The record, which has only been done previous three times, was last accomplished by Gonzaga’s Bianca Pagdanganan in 2017. The 61 was also a course record at Club Campestre San Jose.
It was Johnson’s third win of her career.
“Today was an incredible day for our entire team and for Julia,” head coach Kory Henkes said. “It was a great way to finish our fall season with our whole team playing in Cabo and capping it off with a team and individual win.”
Johnson started the final 18 with an eagle and four birdies, quickly jumping to the top of the leader board. She added six birdies on her last 14 holes to turn in a bogey-free 11-under. She led the field in birdies with 18 and went under par on the par 3s (-1), par 4s (-4), and par 5s (-8).
“Julia played the best round of golf Coach Zack and I have ever had the pleasure to watch,” Henkes said. “Her ability to tie an NCAA record for the lowest round of golf in NCAA history is a monumental accomplishment and we are so proud of her.”
“Today was just really special,” Johnson said. “I try and do things the right way when we’re at home. I practice 100 percent every time I’m out there and to see it finally starting to pay off again is really nice. Having Coach Zack by my side today was really important, and I’m super thankful for everything he and Coach Kory do for me.”
After a winter break, the Rebels return to the course Feb. 17-18, for the Moon Golf Invitational in Melbourne, Florida.
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Tracey Jagneaux
Sports Editor