Sophie Eppelstun digs deep to deliver first win as a Buckeye at Ohio State University

Sophie Eppelstun with her Ohio State University golf coach, Lisa Strom.

Former multiple-time Catalina Club champion and junior star Sophie Eppelstun is settling in well at Ohio State University after she made her big move to the States earlier this year to continue her career on the golf course.

Sophie graduated from high school on the South Coast this year after she had announced her commitment to the Ohio State University in 2024. According to her family, Sophie has settled in well and is studying for a Business Management (Marketing) degree and playing Division 1 golf for The Ohio State Buckeyes.

As a student athlete, her daily schedule is demanding, with morning gym sessions and classes starting at 7am, then golf practice from 12pm to 6pm and assignments and study after dinner. Her campus is expansive and has outstanding golf facilities including a 36-hole championship golf course, a dedicated golf performance centre and indoor practice facility.

Sophie’s team consists of six others hailing from England, China, Spain, New Zealand and the United States. Her team and environment are supportive but competitive, as only five team members are required to play each tournament.

During her first week as a college student, five qualifying rounds were played over four days to determine the first tournament team. Despite her inexperience with the course, Sophie dug deep and qualified for the team, carding her first under par round along the way.

Two days after qualifying, the team travelled to Michigan to play their first tournament at The American Dunes Golf Club. Sophie shot five over on each of the three rounds to finish 42nd. The team were back on campus for two nights, and then off again to their second tournament at Inverness GC – the site of the 2027 Women’s U.S. Open – a brutally tough course.

On the opening day of 36 holes, Sophie chalked up two more five over rounds. The next day she found some form to post the round of the day – a two under par to finish the tournament 5th overall. Coming from third and eight shots back, the Buckeyes won the tournament!

Sophie celebrating with her team after their first win at Inverness Club in Ohio. Photo: Ohio State University

Sophie’s next tournament is on October 19 and 20 in San Marcos, Texas, but she will need to qualify again to play. In the meantime, she will relish some time to fully settle in, as university life has been a whirlwind thus far. To read more on Sophie’s first U.S. success, visit the Ohio State Buckeyes website.

Published 24 September, 2025