RAPID CITY - An afternoon breeze may have had an effect on some of the competitors' final distances, but it still managed to be a pretty interesting way to kick off the NAIA Women's Golf Championship Monday at Meadowbrook Golf Course in Rapid City. A strong wind came dead-on into the finalist face as the finals of the Long Drive Competition began.
Lubbock Christian's Kelly Rainbolt recorded the longest drive during the preliminary round measuring a distance of 264 yards. Dakota Wesleyan sophomore Danielle Bellet was about 10 yards off the pace with a shot of 254 yards - also in the preliminary round. Meghann Stevens of Northwood was third with a 241 also in the preliminary and four individuals tied for fourth with a 241.
Distances really fell off in the finals thanks to the stiff South Dakota wind, but Rainbolt came away with the crown after a shot of 250 yards. April Martinez of University of Texas - Brownsville was runner-up in the finals with a distance of 237 yards while Bellet settled for third with a 227.
The tournament will officially begin Tuesday with tee times starting at 7:30 a.m. and running all day. The last group will begin their round at 3:20 p.m.
Long Drive Contest Final Results
1. Kelly Rainbolt, Lubbock Christian, 250 yards
2. April Martinez, Texas-Brownsville, 237 yards
3. Danielle Bellet, Dakota Wesleyan, 227 yards
4. Meghann Stevens, Northwood, 216 yards
5. Rachel Ingram, Lee University, 214 yards
6. Coanne Krissig, William Wood, 209 yards
