Bulldog adjusts to solo act

STILLWATER — Only 12 individuals advance past the regional round to the women’s NCAA golf championships, and Georgia’s Jillian Hollis was one of those individuals.

Shortly after finishing ninth at the Tallahassee regional, Hollis was on her way to Westminster, Colorado, where she shot a 2-under-par 140 last Monday and qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open.

After three rounds in the NCAA women's golf championship, Hollis is 5 over. Here’s what Hollis had to say about Karsten Creek Golf Club and qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open:

Q: How was your qualifying round in Colorado?

A: It was good. My mom (Sharon) caddied for me. I did it in Colorado because it was an easy flight to Oklahoma and all of the other places were full. I played really well the first 18 holes and shot even the second 18. It was really nerve wracking waiting around afterward because there’s no live scoring. I had to wait for a couple scores to get in, and I ended up getting in. It was awesome.

Thoughts on Karsten Creek through the first couple rounds?

It’s great. It’s tough on this golf course because if you get in the rough or out of position even a little bit, it can turn into a bogey. I love this golf course. I played it four years ago when it was raining sideways and super windy. It’s definitely nicer this week, and I just love being here. Everything about this place is so beautiful.

What’s the difference playing as an individual and playing with teammates?

I’m lonely. It’s just weird. You play tournaments by yourself in the summer and you do all of that and your parents are with you. But I have so much attention with my mom being here and both of my coaches, who don’t normally walk with me. They usually walk with my teammates. It’s nice having them to bounce ideas or bounce numbers and clubs off of. I have a lot of attention this week. It’s good.