NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Yale women's golf team kick-starts the 2025-26 season at the Cougar Classic in Hanahan, South Carolina.

Here are a few things to know heading into the first tournament of the season:

Leading the Bulldogs
Senior Ashley Yen was tabbed to lead the squad for the 2025-26 season. After her election, Yen said, "Being part of this team has truly been the most meaningful part of my experience at Yale, and I'm constantly inspired by my teammates' drive, support, and dedication. I'm so proud of what we have built so far, and with three incoming first-years, I'm excited for what's ahead and to see what we will accomplish."
 
The Squad
Returning alongside Yen is senior Mia Sessa, juniors Selena Tang and Jojo Lee, as well as sophomore Ellie Koo and Katie Ha. The Bulldogs welcomed three newcomers to the squad this season: Emma Lee, Anya Mathur, and Lydia Portlock.
 
Family Ties
First year Emma Lee's sister Kaitlyn Lee '23 played for the Bulldogs from 2019-23 and was a Second Team All-Ivy recipient and a WGCA Scholar All-American.

The Cougar Classic Details:

The Lineup
Teeing off for the Bulldogs in their opening tournament are seniors Ashley Yen and Mia Sessa, sophomore Katie Ha, and first years Lydia Portlock and Anya Mathur will make their collegiate debuts. 

About the Tournament
This will be the 21^st rendition of the Cougar Classic, hosted by the College of Charleston will begin on Monday, Sept. 8 and play through Tuesday, Sept. 9. Day one will feature a shotgun start at 8:30 AM featuring 36 holes of continuous play followed by another shotgun start on day two with the final 18 holes at 8:45 AM. The University of Maryland are the reigning tournament champions.
 
Who's Competing
There are 18 teams filling out the field in South Carolina, In addition to the Bulldogs and the host College of Charleston will be: Auburn, Boston College, Clemson, University of Florida, Furman, University of Georgia, Georgetown, Louisiana State, University of Maryland, University of Miami, University of Mississippi, N.C. State, Penn State, University of Tennessee, University of Central Florida, and Virginia Tech.
 
About the Course and a Note from History
Yeamans Hall Club, designed by Seth Raynor in 1925, is regarded as one of his signature courses. The par-71, 6,269-yard layout officially opened in 1926, with the Yale men's golf team playing the inaugural round. Raynor, who also co-designed the historic Yale Golf Course, completed both Yeamans Hall and Yale's course in the same year.

How to Follow: Live stats will be available for viewing on follow on the Scoreboard, powered by Clippd.