In a thrilling finish at Greystone Golf Club, the Rhodes College women's golf team clinched the 2025 Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Championship by a single stroke, holding off a late charge to secure the program's fifth conference title—and its first since 2018.
By winning the SAA Championship, the Lynx secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Women's Golf National Championship this May.
Rhodes posted a team score of 900 (+36) across three rounds (297-299-304), holding off a determined rally from Centre College to bring the trophy back to Memphis.
Emily Mu led the Lynx with a standout performance, finishing third individually at one-over par for the tournament. Mu delivered rounds of 76-69-74—219 (+3), demonstrating incredible consistency and mental toughness throughout the weekend.
Ava Bankston continued her stellar season, finishing fifth overall with rounds of 69-80-73—222 (+6). Her opening-round three-under 69 was a key spark for the Lynx and earned her recognition as the SAA Athlete of the Year and a spot on the All-SAA First Team.
Grace Young also had a strong showing, finishing T6 after rounds of 74-70-79—223 (+7). Young's reliable play throughout the tournament was critical to Rhodes' narrow victory, earning her All-SAA Second Team honors.
Megan Morris added depth to the lineup with rounds of 78-80-80—238 (+22) to place T15, and she too earned All-SAA Second Team accolades.
Weatherly Spence made an important contribution, carding rounds of 85-83-78—246 (+30) to finish 19th individually. Spence closed strong with a final-round 78, stepping up big when the team needed key scores to secure the title.
Stirling Legge rounded out the lineup, posting rounds of 88-87-80—255 (+39) to finish 23rd individually. She capped off the championship with her best round of the weekend, firing an 80 in the final round and showing resilience and composure under pressure.
Rhodes head coach Sarah Posey was named the SAA Coach of the Year, a testament to the team's preparation, resilience, and championship execution.
The Lynx will now turn their attention to the NCAA Division III National Championship in May, where they will represent the SAA and look to make a deep run on the national stage.
SAA Women's Golf Conference Accolades
SAA Athlete of the Year: Ava Bankston, Rhodes
Coach of the Year: Rhodes, Sarah Posey
First Team:
Second Team:
All-Sportsmanship:
