Augusta is not the only place in Georgia showcasing some talent this weekend. The 47th Annual Liz Murphey Classic is taking place in Athens, Georgia. Twelve teams, including Georgia, are competing for the championship title. 

Commonly referred to as The Liz, this collegiate classic has become very well known over the years. Murphey was a pioneer in women’s athletics. She served as the women’s golf coach in 1967 and coordinated the women’s club sports program until she was named assistant athletic director for women’s sports in 1978. 

As a golf coach, she led the Lady Bulldogs to 21 team and 18 individual titles from 1978-86 once UGA officially recognized women’s golf as an intercollegiate sport in 1978. Murphey was the first-ever NGCA National Coach of the Year in 1984 and was a charter member of that organization’s Hall of Fame. 

The meaning behind the tournament is not the only aspect of The Liz that is special—the course itself makes for some great golf. UGA’s golf course was ranked No. 4 in the top Georgia courses in 2018, according to Golf Advisor. The intricate landscape and immaculate groundskeeping presents a beautiful course to golfers. 

Walking the course on Thursday I felt as if I had taken a vacation away from the university. Birds chirping and the occasional smack of a drive were the few sounds audible, making the environment very peaceful and isolated due to the enormous surrounding trees. 

Mother Nature did not pose a threat to golfers, as the weather stayed around 70 degrees with clear skies. There is some rain in the forecast Friday morning, but hopefully the rain will stay away long enough to allow for the classic to wrap up play.

The Liz kicked off Thursday morning with stroke play. Kennesaw State and Augusta University ended the day tied for first with a team score of 290. Freshman Chloe Thornton eagled two holes on the day, finishing with an individual score of 68, four under par. She is tied for first individually. 

Georgia ended the day tied for sixth place, with freshman Harmie Constantino leading the Bulldogs with a score of 74, two over par.

Match play will begin Friday morning, and will conclude on Saturday. Georgia’s performance Thursday earned them the No. 7 seed for match play, which places them playing Kennesaw State. If Thornton had the day she had Thursday again Friday, this could mean trouble for the Bulldogs.