The Dartmouth women’s golf team is set to make its NCAA postseason debut at the Las Vegas Regional after winning the Ivy League title for the first time in school history. This achievement is particularly remarkable considering that just four years ago, the team was dropped as a varsity sport due to recruitment and budget issues. Head coach Alex Kirk and the players were blindsided by the news, with some players transferring to continue their college golf careers. Incoming first years like Katherine Sung faced the decision of whether to attend a school without a golf team they had planned to play for.
Despite the challenges, Sung and fellow student Penelope Tir decided to continue their collegiate careers at Dartmouth, a decision that would eventually lead to the reinstatement of the golf program following a Title IX lawsuit filed by current students and alumni. With the program reinstated in January 2021, Kirk returned as the head coach, but the team had a small roster. With only four D-I caliber players, they struggled to compete in events, but still managed to win three times in the 2022-’23 season.
With a stronger team and a place to practice at Montcalm Golf Club, Kirk was able to recruit and rebuild the program. Sung and Tir became senior leaders who helped Dartmouth secure the Ivy League title, beating Yale by two strokes. The team’s success was a result of hard work and determination, with Kirk emphasizing the importance of focusing on golf and academics and letting everything else fall into place.
As the 12th seed in the 12-team Las Vegas Regional, Dartmouth faces a tough challenge to finish in the top five and earn a spot at the NCAA Women’s Championship later this month. Kirk remains optimistic, stating that the team is focused on playing their best and seeing what happens. With the dedication and resilience shown by the Dartmouth women’s golf team, anything is possible, and they are poised to make a strong showing at the regional event.
