TEMPE, Ariz. – Four-time All-American Olivia Mehaffey announced that she will return to play another season for Sun Devil Women's Golf, Mehaffey announced yesterday.
"After evaluating all my options and the cancelation of Q-school, I felt that another year at Arizona State would be the best move for my overall development," Mehaffey remarked. "I will continue working hard to put myself in a position to pursue a professional career following the conclusion of my time in Tempe."
"Although we were not able to finish the season this year, we are grateful Olivia Mehaffey will be coming back for a 5th year to play for Arizona State," Coach Farr-Kaye stated. "We are excited for the four-time All-American to get an opportunity to finish her college career properly. We look forward to Olivia having the chance to lead our team one more year."
"I am very excited to return to this program and team," Mehaffey exclaimed. "This is a special team and I know we are capable of great things. I can't wait to keep building and growing as a team."
For Mehaffey, one of the many benefits of returning means competing in the NCAA Championship in her own backyard. The 2021 and 2022 NCAA Men's and Women's Championships are scheduled to take place at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale.
"It is huge to get to the opportunity to return and compete for a National Championship with the team," Mehaffey added. "Grayhawk is an amazing venue and very special place."
The Belfast, Ireland native is already one of the most decorated golfers in the history of the Sun Devil Women's Golf program. Mehaffey recently completed her fourth season in Tempe with a historic achievement. She became just the third four-time All-American in the history of the Arizona State Women's Golf program after being selected to the Honorable Mention team by the WGCA last month. She joined an exclusive list of Sun Devils to have been named All-Americans after each of their four years, one that includes Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famer Kellee Booth (1995-98) and current LPGA Tour standout Azahara Munoz (2006-09). Mehaffey received Honorable Mention honors as a freshman and senior, in addition to her Second Team designation after both her sophomore and junior seasons.
Despite this year being cut short, Mehaffey still managed to reach several career milestones in the process. She finished second at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge and sixth at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, pushing her career Top-10 finishes total to 20. Not only did she have 20 Top-10 finishes, she also carded 20 rounds in the 60s in her career, one of the Top-25 totals in NCAA history. Her 11 rounds at or under par this season give her 65 in her career, putting her in the Top-10 in NCAA record book. Mehaffey's 72.74 stroke average also puts her in the NCAA's Top-25 all-time. The reigning Pac-12 Conference Individual Medalist finished in the Top-40 of the final Golfstat Individual Rankings for the fourth consecutive year. She has the opportunity to add to these totals and move up in the NCAA career record book during her fifth and final season of eligibility.
Mehaffey's international resume is just as impressive as her collegiate one. She continues to receive invitations and gain experience at some of the most prestigious International amateur and professional events. Mehaffey was awarded the opportunity to play in the LPGA Tour's ANA Inspiration event at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. She was one of only five amateurs to be included in the LGPA's first major of the season, receiving a sponsor exemption. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances, the April tournament was delayed until September 10-13. In addition, Mehaffey was selected to represent Team Europe along with teammate Linn Grant at the 2020 Palmer Cup, which will now take place in December. She also was invited to the Augusta National Women's Amateur for the second consecutive year (Tournament moved to 2021). The extensive international experience and success have helped Mehaffey thrive in pressure situations and prepare for the professional level.
A loaded roster awaits Mehaffey next season, as every member of the 2019-20 team returns to Tempe. Once incoming freshmen Ashley Menne and Breyana Matthews are added to the fold, the Sun Devils will boast one of the most talented and deep rosters in the country. With three-time National Champion Missy Farr-Kaye and Assistant Coach Michelle Estill at the helm, the team will receive the proper coaching and guidance that it takes to succeed at the highest level. Fans of the Sun Devil Women's Golf program have a lot to be excited about.
HOW TO FOLLOW
For the latest updates and information on the Sun Devil Women's Golf program, follow our Twitter/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWGolf), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/sundevilwgolf/), and visit our website (thesundevils.com).
"After evaluating all my options and the cancelation of Q-school, I felt that another year at Arizona State would be the best move for my overall development," Mehaffey remarked. "I will continue working hard to put myself in a position to pursue a professional career following the conclusion of my time in Tempe."
Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye was supportive of Mehaffey throughout the process, regardless of the direction she chose. With a professional career awaiting her following the completion of her collegiate career, Mehaffey took her time with the decision. Much to the delight of Coach Farr-Kaye, Mehaffey made the call to return to the school and program that have helped her develop into the golfer she is today. It was a piece of extremely positive news for Arizona State, a team that was ranked in the Top-5 all year and considered one of the top National contenders before the season was cut short.?? ??????...????????...????????... ??
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) May 25, 2020
???????????????? ????????: 4?-time All-American Olivia Mehaffey will return to @SunDevilWGolf to play her final season! pic.twitter.com/fj7wpmwaI0
"Although we were not able to finish the season this year, we are grateful Olivia Mehaffey will be coming back for a 5th year to play for Arizona State," Coach Farr-Kaye stated. "We are excited for the four-time All-American to get an opportunity to finish her college career properly. We look forward to Olivia having the chance to lead our team one more year."
Mehaffey will receive another year of eligibility thanks to special legislation passed by the NCAA that allowed senior student-athletes from a Spring sport to return for an extra season. As the lone senior and leader of the 2019-20 team, Mehaffey had the Sun Devils in contention for both a Conference and National Championship. She now returns to Tempe attempting to take care of some unfinished business. As an integral part of the Sun Devils winning the 2017 National Championship during her freshman season, Mehaffey possesses the experience and knowledge that it takes to lead a team to the National Title.A ?????????????? ???????? that goes beyond the game of golf ??@missymkaye ??@OliviaMehaffey pic.twitter.com/4EdAQpao1p
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) May 26, 2020
"I am very excited to return to this program and team," Mehaffey exclaimed. "This is a special team and I know we are capable of great things. I can't wait to keep building and growing as a team."
For Mehaffey, one of the many benefits of returning means competing in the NCAA Championship in her own backyard. The 2021 and 2022 NCAA Men's and Women's Championships are scheduled to take place at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale.
"It is huge to get to the opportunity to return and compete for a National Championship with the team," Mehaffey added. "Grayhawk is an amazing venue and very special place."
The Belfast, Ireland native is already one of the most decorated golfers in the history of the Sun Devil Women's Golf program. Mehaffey recently completed her fourth season in Tempe with a historic achievement. She became just the third four-time All-American in the history of the Arizona State Women's Golf program after being selected to the Honorable Mention team by the WGCA last month. She joined an exclusive list of Sun Devils to have been named All-Americans after each of their four years, one that includes Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famer Kellee Booth (1995-98) and current LPGA Tour standout Azahara Munoz (2006-09). Mehaffey received Honorable Mention honors as a freshman and senior, in addition to her Second Team designation after both her sophomore and junior seasons.
In addition to the WGCA recognition, Mehaffey was also one of three Sun Devils to also earn All-American distinction by Golfweek, the third consecutive year the senior has accomplished the feat. Due to the unique circumstances, Mehaffey has a chance to claim a record that may never be matched. She has the potential to be the first five-time All-American not only in program history, but in NCAA history.?? ELITE COMPANY ??
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) May 7, 2020
There have only been 3?? four-time All-Americans in the illustrious history of the @SunDevilWGolf program:
?? Kellee Booth (1995-98)
?? Azahara Munoz (2006-09)
?? ???????????? ???????????????? (????????-????) pic.twitter.com/8YB06LEOlP
Despite this year being cut short, Mehaffey still managed to reach several career milestones in the process. She finished second at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge and sixth at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, pushing her career Top-10 finishes total to 20. Not only did she have 20 Top-10 finishes, she also carded 20 rounds in the 60s in her career, one of the Top-25 totals in NCAA history. Her 11 rounds at or under par this season give her 65 in her career, putting her in the Top-10 in NCAA record book. Mehaffey's 72.74 stroke average also puts her in the NCAA's Top-25 all-time. The reigning Pac-12 Conference Individual Medalist finished in the Top-40 of the final Golfstat Individual Rankings for the fourth consecutive year. She has the opportunity to add to these totals and move up in the NCAA career record book during her fifth and final season of eligibility.
Mehaffey's international resume is just as impressive as her collegiate one. She continues to receive invitations and gain experience at some of the most prestigious International amateur and professional events. Mehaffey was awarded the opportunity to play in the LPGA Tour's ANA Inspiration event at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. She was one of only five amateurs to be included in the LGPA's first major of the season, receiving a sponsor exemption. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances, the April tournament was delayed until September 10-13. In addition, Mehaffey was selected to represent Team Europe along with teammate Linn Grant at the 2020 Palmer Cup, which will now take place in December. She also was invited to the Augusta National Women's Amateur for the second consecutive year (Tournament moved to 2021). The extensive international experience and success have helped Mehaffey thrive in pressure situations and prepare for the professional level.
A loaded roster awaits Mehaffey next season, as every member of the 2019-20 team returns to Tempe. Once incoming freshmen Ashley Menne and Breyana Matthews are added to the fold, the Sun Devils will boast one of the most talented and deep rosters in the country. With three-time National Champion Missy Farr-Kaye and Assistant Coach Michelle Estill at the helm, the team will receive the proper coaching and guidance that it takes to succeed at the highest level. Fans of the Sun Devil Women's Golf program have a lot to be excited about.
HOW TO FOLLOW
For the latest updates and information on the Sun Devil Women's Golf program, follow our Twitter/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWGolf), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/sundevilwgolf/), and visit our website (thesundevils.com).