As part of the LPGA Tour’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Epson Tour announced that this year, three tournaments will showcase minority golfers by offering “Epson Tour MVP Invites.” Epson Tour MVP Invites will be selected by the respective tournament’s committee.
The second tournament to receive a Epson Tour MVP Invite this season was the National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship hosted by Women in Golf Foundation, Inc. It took place at Callaway Resort and Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga., from April 12-14. Christyn Carr (Duluth, Geogia) and the North Carolina A&T Aggies took home the Renee Powell Cup after defeating Alabama State. Carr also took home the individual title after shooting an 8-over par 148.
“I knew coming in that the exemption was part of winning the tournament, but I tried to just stay focused. Obviously, I want to do well, but I don’t want to push myself too hard and lose it. So, I just stayed patient and it paid off,” said Carr. “It was just so amazing because I have been a part of the Women In Golf Foundation since I started playing. Just to all come full circle and to win that tournament and home here has been such a blessing.”
Prior to competing for the Aggies, Carr won four Hurricane Junior Georgia tournaments during her prep career and the 18th Annual William (Bill) Dickey Jr. Invitational. In 2019, she placed third overall in the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championships. This week she is competing in her first ever Epson Tour event just a few hours away from North Carolina A&T State University.
“I’m so excited. I came yesterday and walked up to see all the signs everywhere. I am just so happy to be here and in North Carolina only an hour and a half from my school,” said Carr. “A lot of my teammates are still in the area and asking, ‘what is your tee-time, what is your tee-time,’ so they are going to come out and support. One of my teammates, who is from Charlotte, came out here with me yesterday and walked the course. I have a lot of support from both my coaches and my teammates.”
“I just want to take everything in. Even just walking the range and see how they warm up. Asking people questions and learn as much as I can from them. I just want to make sure whatever happens I don’t compare but I learn and just stay focused on myself.”