Mississippi State women’s golf wins Mason Rudolph Championship

Mississippi State won the 2026 Mason Rudolph Championship in Franklin, Tennessee, finishing at 2-under par over three days for its first team title since the 2024 SEC Championship. The Bulldogs beat Arizona State and Florida, who tied for second at 1-under, by one stroke.

Mississippi State entered the final round in second place, three strokes behind Florida, which began the day at 8-under. All five Bulldogs finished inside the top 20, including three inside the top 10.

Samantha Whateley led Mississippi State by tying for fifth at 3-under. It was her fourth career top-five finish and 10th top-20 finish, and her best result since The Ally in October 2025. She was one of eight golfers in the field to finish under par.

Alicia Bellendir and Moa Stridh tied for ninth at even par, each recording a career-best finish. Stridh shot a 2-under 69 in the final round after making the turn at 3-over. She played the back nine without a bogey, made an eagle on the par-5 14th and finished with three straight birdies.

Bellendir also played a decisive role late in the tournament. After Mississippi State lost its outright lead in the closing holes, she made an eagle on the par-5 18th to restore the Bulldogs’ lead, allowing Whateley to finish with a par and secure the team victory.

Alona Avery tied for 14th at 2-over in her Mississippi State debut, earning her 11th career top-20 finish. Avery Weed tied for 17th at 3-over for her 21st career top-20 finish; both shot 2-over in the final round.

Mississippi State will next play The Ally, its annual home event at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point. The tournament is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 5, with live scoring available at scoreboard.clippd.com.

Source: Mississippi State Athletics.