June 5, 2012

Like Arizona State Women's Golf on Facebook:

ASU Pac-12 Golfers of the Year | Five Things to Know About Giulia Molinaro

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--Arizona State senior golfer Giulia Molinaro was named the 2012 Pac-12 Golfer of the Year, the conference announced Tuesday. Molinaro is the fourth golfer in Arizona State history to earn the conference honor following the likes of Wendy Ward (1993), Louise Stahle (2005) and Anna Nordqvist (2007).

"I couldn't be more proud of Giulia and what she has accomplished this season," said head coach Melissa Luellen. "It's so rewarding from a coaching perspective to see these young ladies grow and achieve. Giulia is just a great teammate and has such a fun spirit and playfulness to her."

One of the most improved golfers in the nation, Molinaro led all Pac-12 golfers with a 72.33 scoring average, which is almost three shots better than her scoring average of 75.00 from the previous season. The National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) recognized Molinaro's accomplishments this season, naming her a first-team All-American. She was also named first-team All-Pac-12 Conference.

"I think the improvement in her scoring average is one of the most significant statistics you can look at," said Luellen. "It's really hard for a golfer to go down even half a stroke or one full stroke. For Giulia to lower her average by almost three strokes, it's pretty amazing."

A native of Villorba, Italy, Molinaro recorded eight top-10 finishes on the season and never finished outside the top 20 in competition. Her scoring average of 72.33 is the second lowest recorded in the NCAA on the season according to Golfstat and the senior is ranked fourth overall in the nation according to the Golfweek/Sagarin Index.

In September, Molinaro earned Pac-12 Golfer of the Month honors for her first-place finish at the Dale McNamara Invitational. The senior shot a career-low 67 in the first round en route to her second-career individual medalist honor. Last month, Molinaro led the field at the NCAA Championships after the third round of competition, and finished the competition in a tie for eighth place overall. She also tied for second place at the Pac-12 Championships in Pullman, Wash.