Lady Wildcats Golf Surge to Runner-Up Finish at Eagle’s Open

MARIETTA, Ga. (September 1) — The Bethel University women's golf team delivered an impressive final-round performance Tuesday, climbing one position to finish second in the 2026 Eagle's Open at City Club Marietta.

Bethel fired a final-round 306—its best score of the tournament by 21 strokes—to pass Midway and secure runner-up honors behind tournament champion Dalton State.

The Lady Wildcats finished the 54-hole event with rounds of 327, 332 and 306 for a total of 965. Dalton State captured the championship with 918, while Midway finished third at 978.

Every counting score for Bethel during Tuesday's final round was in the 70s.

Freshman Charli Weatherford completed an impressive collegiate debut with a 75. After opening with rounds of 78 and 81, Weatherford finished with a three-round total of 234 to lead the Lady Wildcats.

Skylar Waller also carded a 75 Tuesday and completed the tournament at 240 following opening rounds of 81 and 84.

Ruby Savage produced Bethel's third counting score with a final-round 77. Savage improved throughout the event, following rounds of 92 and 83 with Tuesday's strong performance to finish at 252.

Martina Gonzalez rounded out Bethel's team score with a 79. She recorded rounds of 83, 84 and 79 for a 246 total.

Merle Chacon shot an 82 in the final round and finished the tournament at 253 after posting rounds of 85 and 86 Monday.

Competing as individuals, Allijah Griffith finished with rounds of 89, 92 and 84 for a 265 total, while Enzley Denton recorded rounds of 96, 93 and 87 for a 276.

Bethel began the final round in third place, five strokes behind Midway. The Lady Wildcats outshot Midway by 18 strokes Tuesday to move comfortably into second place.

Bethel Coach Larry Joe Smith was extremely pleased and happy for his squad. "Our young ladies played so well today, and I am so happy for them. This was a strong field and to finish second behind No. 2 Dalton State is impressive. We will continue to work hard as shoot for that top spot."  

The runner-up finish provided an outstanding start to the fall season for the Lady Wildcats, who showed significant improvement over the final 18