Kansas Women’s Golf Team Shines as Three Jayhawks Travel to Omaha for the Big O Classic, Will They Make Their Mark?

Published on October 13, 2025

The Big O Classic, a much-awaited golf tournament, was scheduled to take place on October 13-14 at the Oak Hills Country Club in Omaha, Nebraska. The event brought together nine competitive teams, including the Kansas women’s golf team, presenting them with a prime opportunity to showcase their golfing skills. The tournament was hosted by Creighton and utilized a shotgun start format, where the players would complete 36 holes on the first day and the final 18 holes on the second. This event held particular significance for Kansas, as it gave three of their players the chance to compete individually. Both seasoned players and newcomers alike would have the chance to gain valuable experience and further hone their skills in a high-pressure, competitive environment.

Event Overview: Big O Classic

The Big O Classic took place at the esteemed Oak Hills Country Club in Omaha, Nebraska. Known for its par 72 design and its length of 6,107 yards, the course posed a true challenge for the participants, requiring a high level of precision and skill. Nine teams participated in the event: Creighton, Omaha, Western Illinois, Indian Hills, Iowa Western, Stephen F. Austin, Northern Iowa, Idaho State, and Kansas. This setup provided the ideal platform for players to compete at a high level while refining their golfing techniques.

The Big O Classic was designed not just as a competition, but as an opportunity for players to grow and develop. The tournament created an environment that encouraged healthy competition while giving players the chance to test their skills under real tournament conditions. For the Kansas women’s golf team, the event represented an essential opportunity to assess their current form and see how they measured up against top-tier teams. The tournament wasn’t just about winning but about growth, camaraderie, and continued development, giving players the chance to push their limits and further evolve as golfers, both individually and as a team.

Kansas Women’s Golf Team: Key Players and Expectations

The Kansas women’s golf team sent three individual players to compete in the Big O Classic: sophomores Zoe Pinillos and Jillian Fatkin, and freshman Marieke Ebens. With Omaha’s proximity to Lawrence, Kansas, this tournament offered an ideal opportunity for these players to gain tournament experience without the added stress and costs associated with long-distance travel. This was especially beneficial for Ebens, a newer player who had the chance to compete at a high level while avoiding the logistical challenges that often come with traveling for tournaments.

For the Kansas women’s golf team, the Big O Classic represented more than just a chance to compete; it was a valuable experience for personal growth and team development. The players were able to focus on improving their skills, gain confidence, and prepare for the more challenging events ahead. This competition was seen as a stepping stone for the team, providing the players with the tools they needed to continue their development and build a foundation for future success.

Player Performances and Expectations

Jillian Fatkin: Momentum from Recent Success

Jillian Fatkin entered the Big O Classic with strong momentum, coming off her best performance of the season at the Marilynn Smith Invitational, where she finished eighth, shooting rounds of 75-69-76 (+7). This performance marked her career-best finish, setting the stage for a strong showing at the Big O Classic. Fatkin’s recent success boosted her confidence and positioned her as one of the top contenders for the event.

Fatkin’s ability to perform under pressure was highlighted by her recent performances. She was expected to continue her strong form at the Big O Classic, using her experience and solid performance as a springboard for success. Her leadership was seen as an asset for the Kansas women’s golf team, and her consistent play was expected to inspire and support her teammates throughout the competition.

Marieke Ebens: A Promising Freshman

Marieke Ebens, the freshman on the Kansas women’s golf team, made an impressive start to her college career at the Marilynn Smith Invitational, where she finished tied for 37th with scores of 81-76-72 (+16). This solid performance, early in her career, demonstrated Ebens’ potential, and the Big O Classic provided her with a perfect opportunity to continue developing her skills.

As a freshman, Ebens was expected to face more experienced players at the Big O Classic, which would help her improve her skills and gain crucial exposure to the pressures of competitive golf. The tournament was seen as an important learning experience, offering her the chance to better understand what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level. Gaining this experience early on would better prepare her for future tournaments where the stakes would only continue to rise.

Zoe Pinillos: Building Confidence for Future Tournaments

Zoe Pinillos entered the Big O Classic for her second tournament appearance as a Jayhawk. At the Jayhawk Invitational, she finished tied for 19th with scores of 76-78-76 (+14), showing promising potential. This strong start provided Pinillos with the confidence to approach the Big O Classic with optimism, eager to build on her early success and refine her game.

For Pinillos, the Big O Classic was an important opportunity to further her development. By participating in the tournament, she was expected to improve her skills and gain more confidence in her ability to perform under pressure. The event served as a stepping stone for her growth as a golfer, helping her prepare for more competitive tournaments in the future.

Tournament Schedule and How to Follow

The Big O Classic was scheduled to begin on October 13th, with the first round set for 9:00 a.m. CT. The event utilized a shotgun start format, which ensured that all groups would begin at different holes, allowing the tournament to run efficiently. The competition involved 36 holes on the first day, followed by the final 18 holes on the second day.

Fans who were interested in following the action could stay up to date through live updates available on the Kansas Women’s Golf social media accounts. Additionally, live scoring was provided through Golfstat, enabling fans to follow the players’ progress in real time. This offered an interactive way for fans to stay connected with the tournament, making it easy to track the performance of their favorite players and teams.

Economic Impact and Travel Industry Influence

The Big O Classic had a considerable impact on the Omaha, Nebraska economy. The event drew players, coaches, and spectators from all over, resulting in an influx of visitors to the area. This influx stimulated the local tourism industry, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and other local businesses. As the event increased demand for local services, it contributed positively to the area’s economy, providing a significant boost to businesses in Omaha.

From a travel industry perspective, the Big O Classic demonstrated the growing importance of regional sports events. By keeping the tournament local, travel costs were minimized, making it easier for participants and spectators to attend the event. This helped ensure a larger turnout, benefiting both the competition and local businesses. The event also supported sustainable sports tourism, allowing for high-level competitions while reducing the logistical challenges associated with long-distance travel.

Regional tournaments like the Big O Classic are crucial for the growth of sports tourism. They offer accessible events for both athletes and fans, ensuring that participants can compete without the financial burden of travel. These types of tournaments help local economies grow while also promoting global participation in the sport.

Global Reach and Effects on Golf Tourism

Although the Big O Classic was centered in Omaha, its influence extended beyond the local community. As golf’s global popularity continued to rise, regional tournaments like the Big O Classic attracted international interest. Golf fans from across the world followed the tournament, either attending in person or via online platforms.

The event demonstrated how even smaller, regional tournaments could generate significant global attention. The rise of sports tourism in the golf world meant that fans were increasingly traveling to see live events. The Big O Classic was a part of this growing trend, helping to put Omaha on the map as a key destination for golf enthusiasts.

For the travel industry, this trend highlighted the growing demand for sports tourism, particularly in golf. Fans were more likely to plan their vacations around tournaments, contributing to the broader golf tourism market. Regional events like the Big O Classic were vital in expanding the sport’s reach, attracting international visitors and enhancing the tourism industry’s ability to serve golf fans from around the world.

The Big O Classic held in Omaha, Nebraska proved to be much more than just a golf tournament. It offered the Kansas women’s golf team an invaluable opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills, while also benefiting the Omaha economy by driving tourism and supporting local businesses. The event highlighted the increasing importance of sports tourism in the global travel industry, bringing participants and spectators from all corners of the world to witness top-level golf.

The Big O Classic also demonstrated how regional competitions could drive both local and global economic growth. It provided a valuable example of how sports events can be leveraged to foster community growth, contribute to the local economy, and promote global participation. With the continued rise of sports tourism, tournaments like the Big O Classic will play an even more significant role in shaping both local and global travel patterns, ensuring the future of golf tourism. Regional tournaments are essential for expanding the reach of the sport and attracting golf fans from all around the world.