• Jack Molitor •
• Originally published September 15, 2009 at 11:27 p.m., updated September 15, 2009 at 11:35 p.m.

Texas A&M women's golf coach Trelle McCombs thinks Sarah Beth Davis was born with maroon hair.

Maybe not, but you can't deny Davis' love for A&M, and her skill on the golf course.

Davis, a former St. Joseph Lady Flyer, showed off some of that skill with a bogey-free 70 in her first collegiate event, the Mo Morial, in College Station on Friday and Saturday.

The 2-under score by Davis and Australian teammate Julia Boland earned individual honors over the 12-team collegiate field and led the Aggies to victory with a team score of 2-over-290. Not bad for a freshman for her first time on the collegiate stage.

In fact, it had never been done. It was the first time at A&M that a newcomer earned individual honors in the first tournament of the year.

"I'm still kind of in shock," Davis said. "I don't think it's fair because the tournament was shortened, but everyone played, and it feels good."

The tournament was shortened from 54 holes to 18 because of rain. Davis played her first 17 holes on Friday before play was stopped.

She came back on Saturday to finish her final hole before play was called again. With the bunkers full and the course unplayable, Sunday's round was canceled entirely. McCombs and Davis were both frustrated that the tournament wasn't completed, but they'll take the win.

"It wasn't supposed to be that bad, it was supposed to be drizzly," Davis said. "It was pouring on my 16th and 17th holes. But I didn't let it affect my game or interfere with me. You can't let that stuff bother you."

The tournament was her first collegiate event, but it wasn't her first time against college players. She said she played in amateur events all summer to prepare for the transition, and said she even beat some college players in one event.

"If I can do it over the summer I can do it now," she said.

Difficult course conditions and improved competition aren't the only challenges Davis is experiencing. Adjusting to life at a major university has its difficulties, but she said she was enjoying the change. She said anyone would enjoy the added freedom.

"It's a lot different from everyday life in Victoria," she said. "There's more freedom and responsibility and it's a change. And I like change."

McCombs has seven newcomers on the team, and she said Davis is one of the most talented of the bunch. She also said Davis is just a good person.

"She's a good kid, she's very thoughtful, she puts others before herself," McCombs said. "She's a true Aggie. Her hair came out maroon when she was born. It's going to be fun to watch her develope and see what she can do over the next four years."

Davis, who comes from a family of Aggies, said she was indoctrinated with the traditions and peculiarities even before going to St. Joseph.

"I bleed maroon I guess you could say," she said. "My whole family is Aggies and I always wanted to go here. I've been in the cult for a while now and I love all the traditions."

Even as a freshman, Davis has set a goal for herself and the rest of the women's team. After watching the A&M men hoist the national championship trophy last season, the ladies want to taste a title, too.

"Obviously we're happy for them, but we want to win one too," she said. "Of course we want to win nationals. With the team we have this year, we have a lot of potential. We're really young, but I think we can be in contention for nationals for sure."

Upcoming events

There will be a tournament and appreciation fundraiser for State Representative Todd Hunter on Nov. 9 at Rockport Country Club in Fulton.

The four-person scramble will feature two flights and will start at 8 a.m. The cost is $125 per team.

For more information on this and other upcoming golf events, check out 3rd&Short on Page C3.

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