Augusta University women’s golf opens season with Tiger Classic
By Jackson Hoffman | Sports writer
The 2025-26 college golf season is upon us, and the Augusta University women’s team begins the fall season Monday, Aug. 25. at the Tiger Classic at The Walker Course in Clemson, S.C.
Ember Holloway returns as the coach for her second year. The Jaguars are going to look a little different than last year, as they have more depth with four returning players and four newcomers.
The four returners from last year are Sara Adams, Marine Legentil, Keira Gonzalez-McCarthy and Jessica Pilgrim. They will be joined by Yariliz Delgado, Danielle Higbee, Puntita Pawichai and Sofia Valera as they are looking to make a loud first impression in the West Coast Conference.
“We’ve added four new people that are bringing a lot of positives and a lot of impact right away to us,” said Holloway. “I really think this team can do a lot of special things and that starts in Clemson. I think it’s a great tournament that will be similar in terrain to what we have here, so I’m excited to go see what they are able to go put out there and score as a team and see if we can’t take the win.”
Despite only being here for a couple weeks, the newcomers are making a strong impression and look ready to push the returning players.
“The newcomers have brought a lot of energy, which is great,” said Holloway. “They are pushing our returners as we have had a few rounds of qualifying under our belt. Just by their scores, pushing them that way but also the energy they bring to practice, to workouts, it’s a nice group this year and so far, they have meshed well. I am excited to see how that translates onto the tournament.”
The team joins a new conference this year, the West Coast Conference. The competition will be tougher this year, but coach Holloway believes that her team is ready for the challenge.
“That’s an exciting conference to join,” she said. “They are a great golf conference. It will kind of test our post season ability on that end, but I do think we have a really sneaky good team. I don’t think a lot of people are expecting anything from us right now based on how last season went. The numbers were a little low and kind of building the program back up. I really think that we can make an impact and surprise some teams,” said Holloway.
Holloway believes that the team is in a spot to where they can go to the West Coast and beat some good California teams. She is extremely confident in her team despite having four newcomers.
The Jaguars had Southland Conference champion Zoe Pinillos plucked away by Big 12 program Kansas over the summer.
Holloway is assisted by Alison Crenshaw, who came on staff last October. She played her college golf at the University of Georgia.
Contact Jackson Hoffman at jahoffman@august.edu.
Ember Holloway (above) begins her second year as the Jaguar women’s golf coach. At the top of the page, senior Marine Legentil, first team all-conference last season, should provide leadership for AU, which will now play in the West Coast Conference after being dominant in the Southland Conference, with three team championships in the last four years. (photos by Paula Toole/AU Athletics)
