Summerhays and Menne represented Sun Devil Golf and the United States in the 26th edition of the Palmer Cup, hosted in the United States for the first time since 2021. The duo combined to collect five of Team USA’s 32 points, as they defeated the International side 32-28. The United States now leads the all-time Palmer Cup series 14-12-1.
In three of the last four Palmer Cups, a Sun Devil has been on the winning side. In 2022, Women’s Golf’s Alexandra Forsterling teamed up with Men’s Golf’s Josele Ballester and James Leow to lead the International Squad to a victory. Prior to that, it was Women’s Golf’s Linn Grant and Olivia Mehaffey joining forces with Men’s Golf’s David Puigto claim the 2020 title. Menne and Summerhays become the first Sun Devils to win a Palmer Cup with Team USA since Men’s Golf’s Jeff Quinney did so back in 2001.
QUOTABLES
“We are so proud of Ashley and Preston for earning the victory at the Palmer Cup,” Women’s Golf Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye remarked. “It is a huge honor to play in this event and represent your country. They both did an incredible job of embracing the moment and handling the pressure.”
“This weekend was incredible to be a part of,” Ashley Menne reflected. “To be able to compete with Preston made it even more special. An experience like this gives me confidence going forward. I feel great about where my game is at and I’ll be working hard this offseason to keep getting better.”
DAY 1 – MIXED FOURBALL
The Sun Devils kicked off the 2023 Palmer Cup by being paired together in the mixed fourball competition. Summerhays and Menne wasted no time jumping out to a lead, winning the first two holes. Facing off with Sun Devil Men’s Golf’s Josele Ballester and partner Lorna McClymont was no easy task, as the International side would bounce back and eventually take a one-hole lead through 7. Menne and Summerhays proceeded immediately to even the match back up and they would never trail the rest of the way. A lead gained on the 12th hole would not be relinquished, as Menne and Summerhays clinched a point for Team USA thanks to a 3&2 victory, going up by three on the 16th hole.
Team International: 6.5
Team USA: 5.5
DAY 2 MORNING SESSION – FOURSOMES
The second day of the Palmer Cup featured two sessions, a foursome match in the morning and a mixed foursome in the afternoon. For the morning matches, Ashley Mennewas paired with Auburn’s Megan Schofill while Preston Summerhays was paired with North Carolina’s David Ford.
Menne and Schofill controlled their match from the opening hole, earning the advantage and never letting up. The American pair led by as many as four through only eight holes, dominating the match from start to finish. They eventually claimed a 4&3 victory after leading by four through the 15th hole.
Team USA: 7.5
Team International: 4.5
DAY 2 AFTERNOON SESSION – MIXED FOURSOMES
In the second set of matchups on day two of the Palmer Cup, the Sun Devil duo was paired together for a second time. Menne and Summerhays took on Tryan Snyders (Texas Tech) and Chiara Tamburlini (Ole Miss) in a quick turnaround, as the first pairing to kickoff the mixed foursomes. Team USA took control of the race for the Palmer Cup in this session, collecting 10.5 of a possible 12 points.
Team USA: 10.5
Team International: 1.5
DAY 3 – SINGLES
Sun Devil Golf saved their best performance for last at the Palmer Cup, with both representatives enjoying success on the final day. Ashley Menne took on Lorna McClymont while Preston Summerhays faced off with Ryan Griffin. With the Palmer Cup in the balance and the International Team trailing by only two, Menne and Summerhays sealed the Team USA victory.
Menne trailed McClymont by as many as two holes, but claimed the lead following a win on the 13th hole. She would not trail again, earning the one up victory by splitting the final hole. Summerhays put together a dominant effort, taking a lead from the initial hole. He clinched the point early on the 14th hole, winning 6&4 in one of the most impressive victories of the weekend.
Team International: 15.5
Team USA: 8.5
FINAL
Team USA: 32
Team International: 28
Ashley Menne: 3-1
Preston Summerhays: 2-2
ALL-AMERICAN DUO
Both Ashley Menne and Preston Summerhays earned All-American status following impressive seasons in the Maroon & Gold. Preston Summerhays was named a PING Division I First Team All-American, while Ashley Menne was tabbed a Second Team All-American by the WGCA. The duo will now combine forces as part of Team USA at the Palmer Cup starting on Thursday. They will also return to Tempe next year as key pieces of their respective programs heading into 2023-24.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Connor Smith
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