Oklahoma City University alumna Elia Folch has turned professional on the Ladies European Tour Access Series.
Folch earned status on the developmental tour to the Ladies European Tour with her finish in Lalla Aicha Tour School Final Qualifying on Dec. 18-22 at Amelkis Golf Club & Samanah Country Club.
Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Folch fell short of full status on the Ladies European Tour by one stroke. She tied for 32nd place with a 70-68-72-76-72–358 in the qualifying tournament.
“One of the factors that contributed to her early success on the professional ranks was the difficult schedule she played at OCU prepared her,” OCU women’s golf coach Marty McCauley said.
In 2012-14, Folch posted a 74.98 career stroke average with two individual runner-up finishes in the NAIA Championships, two Sooner Athletic Conference individual championships and five tournament titles for Oklahoma City. She was a two-time first-team all-American, all-tournament in the NAIA Championships and SAC player of the year.
Folch helped OCU win two national titles and two conference crowns. In the 2014 national tournament, Folch buried a 10-foot eagle putt on the par-5 18th hole to force a playoff in which the Stars prevailed. OCU played the final hole at 2-under par to make up a five-shot deficit during the last round of the tournament. Folch set OCU’s record for lowest 72-hole score with a 72-75-73-72–292.
As a senior, Folch tied the single-season program record with four victories. Her career scoring average ranks second in program history.
Folch graduated from OCU with her business administration degree in 2015 after spending a season as a student assistant coach for the Stars.
“I just can’t wait to work hard and see what the future holds,” Folch said. “OCU has definitely helped me find the type of player and person I want to be for this new step. Coach McCauley has taught me many great things.”
Oklahoma City has won national championships in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2014.
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