Drum Battles Fierce Conditions at 99th Annual Sally

1/16/2025 4:08:00 PM | By: Kyrin Mayfield | @k_mayfield97

Results
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. - Last week, Embry-Riddle Women's Golf's Alexandra Drum had the honor of competing in the prestigious and historic South Atlantic Women's Amateur Championship (the Sally).

"I am honored to have been accepted to compete in this historic tournament with so many talented players," Drum said. "I am very grateful to the staff and members at Oceanside for making the tournament such an amazing experience, allowing us to play on such a well-kept course, for the fun pro-am round, and for the delicious food."

"The Sally is one of the most prestigious, hardest, and special tournaments in all of golf, let alone women's golf," added Head Coach Maria Lopez. "There is no finer experience in my opinion. It is a complete test due to the weather, top course conditions and the strength of the field."

Now in its 99th iteration, the Sally has been held at the Oceanside Country Club since 1926. The freshman was one of just 87 amateur women's golfers to receive an invitation to the tournament's Championship Division.

"Ninety-nine years at the same location with some of the best amateurs in the world is absolutely special," said Lopez. "For the last 25 years, we've been blessed to have players invited to compete based on their ranking. It has helped them grow their game and has taken our team to the next level."

For three rounds, Drum braved cold, windy conditions. During her final round last Friday, the Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida native fired two birdies for her lowest round of the tournament (76) to finish with 251 shots. Drum acknowledged the difficulty of the conditions.

"The firm, quick greens were a good challenge that taught me a lot about how important it is to play for a smarter miss and to not leave myself short sided or chipping onto a downslope when around the green. The strong winds and cold weather were an added challenge, especially when trying to find winter clothes in Florida and determining how many pairs of pants and jackets I could wear while still being able to swing the club. I am very thankful for the great experience and hope to compete again next year!"

"Every time we have a player compete," said Lopez, "they come out better and stronger than they were before. Alex is on that same trajectory. She had an astounding comeback in round three and lots of lessons were learned. She competed with grit and grace, honoring the legacy and standard of our program."

Drum now turns her attention to the start of the spring season as the Eagles resume play on Feb. 17 at the World Golf Invitational in St. Augustine, Florida.

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