Senior Rachael Pruett from Ball State University clinched the Teva Championship Amateur Qualifier after an exciting ending. Megan Bauer from Michigan, who shot a winning 72, declined her invitation into the tournament due to prior commitments. This opened the door for Rachael Pruett, Marissa Steen and Christine Meier who had a three-way tie with a score of 75. After a sudden death round, Pruett pulled out the victory with a birdie on the first hole.

Rachael Pruett did not begin the qualifier favorably. She was four over par after the first three holes including a double bogey on the third hole, but that didn’t keep her down. Nerves were not an issue when it came to Pruett. She finds that pressure situations give her more drive. “I knew I could do it” Pruett adds. Pruett finished the qualifier with three birdies and was very pleased to be playing with some of the greatest women golfers.

Rachael was named 2006 USGA Girls Junior Championship in Charlotte, NC in 2010, MAC 5^th Place Finish (All Tournament Team), and in 2008 finished 3^rd in the Cardinal Classic. Her lowest competitive score was a 71 at Indiana University Public Golf Course in 2010.

Rachael is entering her senior year at Ball State majoring in Exercise Science. Her long term goal is to go to Grad School and be an assistant golf coach in hopes of becoming a head coach. She would also love to one day qualify for the Duramed Futures Tour. In the meantime Rachael works for her father Chris Pruett who is also her Caddie. “I hope my boss – my father - will let me off work so I can get ready and come to the tournament,” Rachael said lightheartedly after being asked what her plans are for the rest of the week.

Rachael tries to stay away from superstitions when she plays. She does make sure that she has her sunglasses with her at all times while playing and marks her ball the same way each time. Her father, Chris Pruett on the other hand has superstitions of his own. “I cannot watch her when she putts. I always cover my eyes when she does,” said Chris, but later admitted he did watch her last putt that won her the qualifier. This is not Rachael’s first professional event as an amateur. She has played in the Indiana Open since her junior year in high school. Although there is no qualifier, there are still pros that play in this tour.

Rachael has many interest and hobbies other than golf. She loves to read and spend time with her family and friends.