LARCHWOOD, Iowa — The prestigious Jackrabbit Invitational, hosted by South Dakota State University, is drawing national attention as it continues to showcase outstanding collegiate golf talent amidst the rolling plains of the Midwest. The tournament, held at the picturesque Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa, perfectly exemplifies South Dakota’s commitment to promoting sports excellence and providing scenic venues for college championships.
South Dakota State University
The event is a significant attraction for student-athletes hoping to make their mark in collegiate golf. It also attracts enthusiasts keen on experiencing South Dakota’s vibrant golfing landscape. Despite stiff competition and challenging conditions with winds ranging from 30 to 40 mph, the Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s golf team managed to hold second place after the first two rounds, trailing behind the host team, South Dakota State, by 19 strokes.
Abby Jimenez, a sophomore leading the APSU team, currently stands in fifth place individually. Despite the harsh weather, she showcased resilience with scores of 76 and 83, totaling 158 over 36 holes. “The conditions today were incredibly difficult and abnormal,” said APSU head coach Jessica Combs. “Every girl on the team gave their all while trying to compete in 30-40 mph winds. Playing golf for 12 hours straight is never easy, but especially in these conditions. I’m proud of the girls and their fight, and we’re gonna give our all tomorrow to finish strong.”
The Jackrabbit Invitational is more than a golf tournament; it reflects a blend of athletic prowess and the serene beauty that South Dakota and its neighboring regions have to offer. The Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort, a key host site, remains an integral part of promoting South Dakota’s allure as a premier golf destination.
South Dakota State University, taking advantage of familiar terrain, leads the tournament with an impressive lineup. Their performance highlights not only their athletic strength but also the university’s robust support for nurturing sporting talent, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a hub for competitive sports.
Among the APSU cohort, Jillian Breedlove, Abby Hirtzel, and Jordin Cowing are tied for seventh place, each with total scores of 159. The individual performances amid gusty winds are a testament not only to their skills but also to the guidance and strategy employed by their coaching staff in such challenging weather conditions.
The Jackrabbit Invitational serves as a key event on the collegiate golf calendar, and it illustrates the regional pride that South Dakota holds towards fostering sports and community involvement. The tournament stands as a beacon for state-of-the-art sporting events that benefit from the region’s natural beauty and favorable conditions for golf during the autumn months.
In 19th place, Ella Arnzen scored rounds of 84 and 91, while freshman standout Katie Roberts, playing individually, is tied for 17th place with scores of 81 and 91. Both players illustrate the pipeline of emerging talent ready to rise through the ranks, a hallmark of the investment in collegiate sports programs.
As the final round of the Jackrabbit Invitational tees off with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, all eyes will be on how the APSU team responds to draw closer to South Dakota State, capitalizing on their collective experience and the strategies developed for such a quintessentially challenging tournament.
For more information about the Jackrabbit Invitational, visit South Dakota State University’s official [website](https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/238659/scoring/player).
The Jackrabbit Invitational is a defining moment not just for participating athletes but also for the state itself, reinforcing South Dakota’s place on the national stage in collegiate athletics. It exemplifies how local events can gain nationwide recognition, not simply for the competitive spirit but also for the harmony between sport and nature offered by South Dakota’s magnificent landscapes.
Contact the APSU Athletics Communication Assistant, Camille Blaylock, for further details at camille.blaylock@apsu.edu.