Furman sophomore Olivia Hasselbach has carried the momentum from an impressive freshman season into the 2026-2027 collegiate golf season.
The Tampa, Florida, native earned 2026 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year honors and has continued her success with a runner up finish at the Lady Paladin Invitational. Hasselbach posted rounds of 67, 70 and 69 to finish tied for second at 10 under par 206, earning SoCon Women’s Golfer of the Week honors on September 23.
Career Highlights
- 2026 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year
- All SoCon and SoCon All Freshman Team selections
- Tied for second at the 2026 Lady Paladin Invitational at 10 under 206
- Career best round of 67 at the Lady Paladin Invitational
- SoCon Women’s Golfer of the Week, September 23, 2026
- 74.0 scoring average across 33 rounds as a freshman
- Six top 22 finishes during her freshman season
- Tied for third at the Valspar Augusta Invitational
- Tied for third at the Momentum Transportation UNF Collegiate
- Tied for 21st at the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional at even par 216
- WGCA All America Scholar Team and SoCon Academic Honor Roll
- 2023 U.S. Kids World Teen Championship winner
- Tied for third at the 65th Girls’ Florida Junior Amateur Championship
- Four time team captain at Carrollwood Day School
- 2024 Carrollwood Scholar Athlete of the Year
From Junior Golf to Furman
Hasselbach developed her passion for golf through her father, who introduced her to the game at an early age.
Her junior career included winning the 2023 U.S. Kids World Teen Championship with her father serving as her caddie. She described the victory as a turning point that strengthened her confidence during the recruiting process.
Hasselbach ultimately chose Furman because of its coaching staff, team culture, golf facilities and academic environment.
Immediate Success at Furman
Hasselbach made an immediate impact during the 2025 to 2026 season, recording a 74.0 scoring average across 33 rounds and earning SoCon Freshman of the Year honors.
She finished tied for third at both the Valspar Augusta Invitational and Momentum Transportation UNF Collegiate before leading Furman at the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional with an even par 216.
Hasselbach credited her teammates and coaches for helping her transition from individual junior competition to collegiate team golf.
Strong Sophomore Season Start
Hasselbach opened her sophomore season with a standout performance at the Lady Paladin Invitational, finishing tied for second at 10 under 206.
Her career best opening 67 included six birdies. She followed with rounds of 70 and 69, helping Furman finish tied for third at 3 under.
Hasselbach discussed the excitement of competing at home in front of teammates, coaches and fellow student athletes. Her performance earned her SoCon Women’s Golfer of the Week recognition.
Interview Highlights with CGN
Family and Early Golf Experiences
Hasselbach credited her father for introducing her to golf and helping develop her passion for the sport. She highlighted their relationship and his role as her caddie during her junior career.
Choosing Furman
Hasselbach connected with Furman’s coaching staff, facilities and team culture during the recruiting process. She felt the university offered the right environment for her academic and athletic development.
Transitioning to College Golf
Hasselbach described her freshman season as a demanding but rewarding experience. She emphasized how her teammates and coaches helped her adjust to collegiate competition.
Managing Burnout
After her freshman season, Hasselbach took approximately a week and a half away from golf to recover and spend time with friends. She believes balancing practice and recovery is essential to long term development.
Competing at Home
Hasselbach discussed the excitement and pressure of playing in front of Furman’s athletic community at the Lady Paladin Invitational, where she recorded her career best round.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Hasselbach credited her experiences at Carrollwood Day School and Furman’s smaller classroom environment for helping her balance academics with collegiate golf.
CGN Angle
Hasselbach has quickly established herself as one of Furman’s leading women’s golfers.
After earning SoCon Freshman of the Year honors and competing at the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional, she has continued her progression as a sophomore with a career best 67 and runner up finish at the Lady Paladin Invitational.
Her interview with CGN’s Bobby Goldstein highlighted the importance of family, team culture and maintaining balance while competing at the collegiate level.