McLean County Times

Former Alabama girls golf junior champion and Auburn golfer Morgan Jones has joined the Illinois State women's golf team. Illinois State head women's golf coach Breanne Hall expressed enthusiasm for Jones' addition, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Morgan to the Redbird family. She is an outstanding player whose game is well-rounded from tee to green. Her level of consistency and maturity on the course will be a huge asset to this team. Morgan has the innate ability to battle through adversity and sees it as an opportunity to push herself to work harder. She has embraced the vision of our program and understands what it takes to help elevate our team."

Jones was recognized twice on the All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) Academic Honor Roll in 2022 and 2023. During her freshman year, she played in two tournaments, averaging 78 strokes per round over five rounds. At the Lady Bulldog Invitational in January 2022, she tied for 32nd with a score of 164 over two rounds. She also competed in the Moon Golf Invitational in February 2022, achieving a collegiate-low round of 74.

In her junior career, Jones won the Alabama Girls State Junior Championship in 2021 with a career-low round of 64 and secured five top-five finishes in American Junior Golf Association events. Additionally, she placed third at the 2021 Alabama Women's Stroke Play Championship and contributed to Auburn High School's victories at the 7A Alabama State Championship in both 2018 and 2019.

Recently, Jones tied for 11th place at the Women's Southern Golf Association Southern Amateur Championship with scores of 76 and 75, advancing to the Match Play portion where she reached the semifinal round.

The Illinois State Redbirds have had a successful season, winning the MVC Championship at Annbriar Golf Club and advancing to the NCAA East Lansing Regional. The team set records for lowest season scoring average and most individual rounds at or under par.

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