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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Former Rebel Dori Carter Is A National Champion
9/4/2009 | Women's Golf
FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Former two-time All-American Dori Carter ended her amateur career in style, leading her home state (Georgia) to the U.S. State Team Championship Thursday at Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Carter fired a 3-under 69 in the final round and finished with a three-day total of 2-under 214 to capture the individual title as well. The Valdosta, Ga., native led her team to a nine-stroke victory over Alabama.
Starting the day with a three-stroke lead over South Carolina and Hawaii, Carter, who took individual medalist honors by two strokes over South Carolina's Dawn Woodard, put any doubts to rest about Georgia being caught by shooting 4-under 32 on the outward nine. Carter eventually got it to six under for the round after making three consecutive birdies from No. 13. Even a pair of three-putt bogeys on 16 and 17, and another bogey at 18 after hitting her tee shot into the water didn't dampen her spirits.
"I started getting nervous when I made that bogey," said Carter, who completed her eligibility at Ole Miss last May and will graduate this December with a business management degree. "I think I was more nervous that I was six under par. I mean it was intense.
"When I walked off the [18th] green, I couldn't believe I just did that (make three straight bogeys). But it's cool that we still won. It's been the most perfect day."
Georgia became the first team to win multiple state team titles since the biennial event's inception in 1995. Georgia also won the title four years ago.
"What a great way for Dori to end her amateur career by being part of a national championship," head coach Michele Drinkard said. "She played great today in also winning the individual title. We are proud of her and look forward to following her future as a professional."
Carter plans to play in the Futures Tour Qualifying School Nov. 2-6.
Carter led the Rebels to their first NCAA appearance since 2004 last year and earned All-America and All-SEC first team honors for the second consecutive season.