June 27, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. – After wrapping up her career as a Gamecock in May, Katie Burnett didn’t take long to make an impact professionally as she won her first tournament as a pro on Wednesday, claiming a 10-stroke victory at the Michigan PGA Women’s Open at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Mich.

Burnett posted three straight rounds under par of 66 (-6), 70 (-2) and 69 (-3) to finish the event with a total of 11-under 205.

“I am very happy for Katie,” South Carolina head coach Kalen Harris said. “What a fantastic way to begin her professional golf career with an incredible three-day total. Katie Continues to make the Gamecock golf program proud. Katie has a very bright future ahead of her.”

Burnett’s next tournament will be a big one, as she will play in the U.S. Women’s Open on July 5-8 at the Black Wolf Run Championship Course in Kohler, Wis.

A native of Brunswick, Ga., Burnett put together one of the best careers in program history, earning second team All-American honors from both Golfweek and the National Golf Coaches Association this season. She wrapped up her career with a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Championship in May, which is the best finish ever by a Gamecock at the national championship. Burnett holds the lowest career scoring average in program history (74.18). She also became the first Gamecock to post a season average below 73, finishing the year with a 72.94 stroke average.