Concordia Grad and Kansas Wesleyan University Golfer Abby Donovan Didn't Take Pro-Am Experience for Granted

Abby Donovan says last week's Pro-Am round of the Senior LPGA Championship at the Salina Country Club that saw the Concordia native play alongside LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sörenstam was some of the most fun she's ever had playing golf.

Donovan was part of a select group of local golfers sponsored by Bennington State Bank to play with Sörenstam in the Pro-Am event on Thursday, July 21st.

Donovan was a four time state placer at Concordia High School.  She capped off her career with a second-place finish in the 2020 Kansas State High School Activities Association Class 4A State Golf Tournament.  As a junior, Donovan finished third in the state tournament.  She tied for 19th place at state her sophomore year and placed 17th overall as a freshman.

After high school, Donovan joined the Kansas Wesleyan University Women's Golf team.  In May, Kansas Wesleyan posted a 28th place finish at the NAIA National Championships at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City.  The Coyotes qualified for the NAIA tournament by winning the Kansas Conference Championships for the second consecutive season.  Donovan placed seventh at the conference championship played at The Jayhawk Club in Lawrence.

Donovan twice was named the KCAC Women's Golfer of the Week during her freshman season and later was named as the 2022 KCAC Women's Golf Freshman of the Year.

Abby tells KNCK News a large group of family and friends from Concordia traveled to Salina to watch her play and to share this experience with her.

During the 2022 Senior LPGA Championship tournament, Donovan also had the chance to caddy for Maggie Will.

Donovan says she gained valuable experience, taking away a few things she can add to her game.

Donovan added she feels very fortunate to have been a part of the event.

Karrie Webb was able to hold off Sörenstam on Sunday, July 24th in the Senior LPGA Championship for her first senior title.  The 47-year-old Webb closed with a 5-under 67 for a four-shot victory at the Salina Country Club.