Clair Hill, finance senior, was named Sooner Athletic Conference women’s golfer of the week for Sept. 14-21.
Hill received the award after opening the season with a fifth place final ranking in the Southwestern Christian Women’s Golf Classic Sept. 8-9 at Lake Hefner Golf Course in Oklahoma City, and for securing her first career tournament win in the Southern Plains Intercollegiate women’s golf tournament Sept. 14-15 at Gaillardia Country Club in Oklahoma City. She led the Stars to a record-setting overall victory in the same tournament with the two best finishes of her career, earning a 74.33 scoring average in three rounds.
SAC players of the week are selected individually by athletic information directors within the regional league. For golf awards, eligible student-athletes are chosen based on scores received in particular tournaments.
Hill is OCU’s first SAC women’s golfer of the week for the 2020-21 season.
Hill said she is thankful for the award.
“My hard work in four years has come to something. I love the sport and the opportunities I’ve had because of it,” Hill said.
Hill’s previous athletic awards include Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) all-American scholar, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) scholar-athlete, conference scholar athlete, two-time academic all-conference athlete and two-time conference commissioner’s honor roll.
Hill said she views her team as a family and believes they played a large role in her success.
“Without my team, I would not have been able to get this award. They are so supportive,” Hill said. “I’ve never received an award for golf, and it’s awesome to share this win with my team.”
Marty McCauley, head women’s golf coach, said he is excited for Hill and her accomplishment.
“In Clair’s case, it’s very special to be closing her senior year holding this honor,” McCauley said.
McCauley said he believes Hill’s drive, along with her attitude both on and off the course, contributed to her continuous athletic growth and success.
“Clair really is a well-rounded student and teammate,” McCauley said. “She is always pushing herself in practices and keeps good relations with her teammates.”
McCauley said Hill, along with the rest of the women’s golf team, felt the need to compete again after their 2019-20 season was cut short due to COVID-19.
“We are so grateful that our department allowed us to compete locally this semester,” McCauley said. “Our travel tournaments have been canceled, but we take what we can get.”
Hill said men’s and women’s golf were among the few OCU athletic teams allowed to continue the fall portion of their 2020-21 season due to COVID-19 precautions and season delays.
“Our team is very lucky to be able to play,” Hill said. “I am thrilled and grateful.”
The Stars finished the fall season with one overall win out of three tournaments. Their next tournament, scheduled for March 8-9, is the Southern Nazarene Invitational at KickingBird Golf Club in Edmond, Oklahoma.
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