Fresh off its first tournament win of the season, Texas women’s golf returns to Austin looking to carry that momentum into the two-day Betsy Rawls Invitational starting Monday.

Two weeks ago, the Longhorns held off Florida State to win the Darius Rucker Collegiate, marking their first tournament victory since the Betsy Rawls Invitational a year ago. For head coach Laura Ianello, the victory proved to be a pressure-tester, showing that the team could handle protecting a lead.

“I was so proud of … the fact that they were very composed,” Ianello said. “They stayed neutral all the way till the end. Of course, they had exciting moments and nerves, but … we really capitalized on (the first day), and then we led the tournament the entire time. … I think the ladies kept their composure and got the job done, and that, to me, (are) signs of growth.”

Despite the victory, Texas hasn’t shied away from improvement. Ianello said that every player in the lineup left the tournament believing they could have been sharper in certain areas. Whether it’s speed control on the greens, keeping the ball on the fairway or simply staying composed, the Longhorns know there’s still work to be done.

“Every day we’re coming out and we’re trying to get better,” Ianello said. “(We’re) always striving for more.”

Now, Texas focuses its attention on the Betsy Rawls Invitational, the team’s annual home tournament hosted at the University of Texas Golf Club. Named after Texas golf legend Betsy Rawls, the event provides the Longhorns the opportunity to host some of the top teams in the nation while competing on a course they know well. 

“When you host a tournament, you know you’re having a huge advantage,” Ianello said. “(You have) local knowledge that other teams wouldn’t know, (and have) more experience on the greens, also knowing the green speeds.”

That familiarity, however, brings its challenges. Ianello said one of the biggest hurdles in hosting a tournament is ensuring the team is not complacent and maintains the same level of diligence in practice as in any other event. Because they’re already familiar with the course, players can easily fall into the habit of missing the little things, such as using their yardage books or carefully studying the greens.

Ianello made it clear to the team that discipline in preparation would be critical this week.

“You must mimic in preparation,” Ianello said. “What you do in practice is what you would do when you play. So I got on them on Sunday (and told them) that they were being a little lazy and not doing their due diligence to make sure that we were ready to go.”

With the same lineup that captured the title in the Darius Rucker Collegiate expected to compete this week, the Longhorns enter the Betsy Rawls Invitational with momentum and expectations. If they hope to repeat their first-place finish from last year, the Longhorns will need to repeat the same practice and preparation that led them to victory two weeks ago.