FRANKLIN, Tenn. – UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's golf graduate student Tara Bettle competed in her first round of the NCAA Franklin Regional on Monday.
 
Bettle teed off at 10:50 a.m. EST (9:50 a.m. CST) from hole one at the Vanderbilt Legends Club's North Course. She was paired with individual competitors Mikayla Bardwell of Tennessee and Dorota Zalewska of Chattanooga.
 
The North Course is a par 72 and is 6,450 yards. There are four par three holes, 10 par four holes, and four par five holes.
 
In her first appearance at an NCAA Regional, Bettle carded a five-over 77 on the opening round of play.
 
She was two-over on the front nine and rounded out play with a birdie on the 547 par-five hole 14. Bettle is currently tied for 50^th overall.

Quote from Bettle on her play
"I was definitely a little nervous before the first round today, but after striping my first tee shot down the middle that calmed me down a little.

"This being an NCAA Regional, the course is playing quite long and there were some tough pin positions, so that took some getting used to. Overall, I have been hitting it pretty good today, I just need some more putts to fall. It is pretty difficult to get the speed right on these greens, so I am going to focus on that tomorrow and hopefully be able to make a few! I am excited to get out there tomorrow and give it my best again, this has been an amazing experience so far!"

Quote from head coach Ashley Leonard
"Tara played pretty solid golf today with one bad hole. The course is playing pretty long with firm and fast greens so being in the right position around the green is important. It was fun to see her begin regional play today and we are looking forward to tomorrow and hopefully we can get some putts to drop!"

Up Next
Bettle will tee off tomorrow for the second round at 9:55 a.m. EST (8:55 a.m. CST) on hole 10. She will be paired with Payton Carter from Murray State and Annie Kim of Houston.