USC’s Jasmine Koo claims individual crown
‘AIEA, O‘AHU – No. 2 ranked Southern California continued its dominant spring run Wednesday, capturing its third Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational team title – and third straight tournament win – after a very memorable week in Hawai‘i.
The Trojans finished at 28-under par, extending their second round lead for a 23-shot victory at Pearl at Kalauao. USC extends one of America’s hottest winning streaks as the postseason nears.
USC celebrates their third Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational tournament title on March 18, 2026 at Pearl at Kalauao in ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i.
The Trojans’ Jasmine Koo won individual medalist honors by six strokes at 11-under (67-68-67).
USC’s Jasmine Koo, a 2024-25 All-American First Team selection as a freshman, celebrates her Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational medalist honors on March 18, 2026 at Pearl at Kalauao in ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i.
No. 13 North Carolina and No. 23 Arizona State tied for second at 5-under par. No. 57 Texas State finished fourth at 3-under. No. 71 Louisiana-Monroe rounded out the top five.
Competing in the event for the first time since 2003, USC did not skip a beat despite a 20-plus-year hiatus. The Trojans now own three Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational titles (1994, 2003, 2026) in the 40-year history of the Hawai‘i-hosted event, affectionally known as “the Donnis.”
USC’s Jasmine Koo closely watches her shot on March 18, 2026 at Pearl at Kalauao in ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i.
“Our players take pride in where they finish individually, but we also discussed cleaning up a few mistakes made after the second round so that we can finish strong as one team,” said USC women’s golf coach Justin Silverstein, a two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year. “After a good night’s rest, we were ready for that challenge. I am so happy of our both our individual and team performances this week at Pearl.
Koo, a sophomore from Cerritos, California, led the Trojan charge, pacing a USC lineup that placed five players in the top six (including ties) of the 78-player field.
The victory adds to an impressive resume for Koo. Named a 2024-25 All-American as a freshman, she tied two USC program records for wins in a single season with four and most wins in succession with three. Entering the week, Koo already posted a tie for first at the Golfweek Red Sky Classic, as well as three other top-10 finishes this season.
USC’s Jasmine Koo, a 2024-25 All-American First Team selection as a freshman, celebrates her Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational medalist honors on March 18, 2026 at Pearl at Kalauao in ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i.
USC’s Catherine Park happily poses with her runner-up trophy in the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational on March 18, 2026 at Pearl at Kalauao in ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i.
USC senior Catherine Park finished runner-up at 5-under (71-68-69), as she prepares to conclude a stellar collegiate career. The three-time All-American currently ranks in a tie for second in program history with five tournament wins.
“I’ve been working with Hawai‘i head coach Julie Brooks for a long time to figure out how we can return to the Aloha State,” continued Silverstein, a two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year. “We had heard really good things about Pearl’s renovation, and were excited to see the event moved here.”
North Carolina, which had won two of its last four tournaments, was led by senior Megan Streicher. The South African and two-time All-ACC selection finished tied for third at 4-under (70-69-70).
North Carolina’s Megan Streicher follows through on her approach shot on March 18, 2026 at Pearl at Kalauao in ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i.
Arizona State, playing without 2025 second-team All-American Patience Rhodes, still delivered a strong performance to tie for second. The Sun Devils — champions of the event in 2011, 2020 and 2024 — were paced by senior Paula Schulz-Hanssen of Germany and freshman Pimpisa “Fai” Rubrong of Thailand, who both tied for fourth.
Arizona State’s Paula Schulz-Hanssen closely eyes her second shot on March 18, 2026 at Pearl at Kalauao in ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i.
Texas State was led by Grace Quintanilla and Yvonne Chamness, who tied for sixth at 2-under. Players from multiple teams competed with pink flags on their hats to honor the late wife of coach Par Hilsson, who recently died from breast cancer, providing an emotional backdrop that added personal significance to the Bobcats’ performance.
Texas State’s Grace Quintanilla follows through on her second shot on March 18, 2026 at Pearl at Kalauao in ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i.
“Hosting the 2026 Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational allowed us to highlight Pearl at Kalauao, a course that was recently transformed into a true test of tournament golf,” said Ed Kageyama, PGA General Manager of Pearl at Kalauao. “The new course design, improved infrastructure and amenities have substantially elevated the conditioning and shot values. We were proud to present a layout that rewards strategy, precision and strong course management.”
Hawaiʻi’s Maline Kraus observes another player’s putt at Pearl at Kalauao in ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i.
Host Hawai‘i was led by senior Maline Kraus, who tied for 31st. The German native was the lone Rainbow Wahine honoree in the 2024-25 All-Big West Team honorable mention selections.
The Rainbow Wahine next compete in the PING ASU Invitational in Phoenix before returning to the Aloha State for the Big West Championship on April 19-21 at Kāʻanapali.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational has long served as a showcase for elite collegiate talent across the islands. The tournament rotated to Kaua‘I (Ocean Course at Hōkūala) in 2024 and Maui (Kā’anapali) in 2025 before returning to O‘ahu this year.
All team and individual scores can be found here: SCOREBOARD
Team Leaderboard – these to par looks off on the totals
| Place | School | To Par | Rd. 1 | Rd. 2 | Rd. 3 |
| 1 | Southern California | -28 | -8 | -14 | -6 |
| T2 | North Carolina | -5 | -2 | E | -3 |
| T2 | Arizona State | -5 | +2 | -8 | +1 |
| 4 | Texas State | -3 | +1 | -6 | +2 |
| 5 | Louisiana-Monroe | +27 | +9 | +6 | +12 |
| 6 | Sacramento State | +32 | +11 | +9 | +12 |
| 7 | New Mexico State | +33 | +14 | +8 | +11 |
| 8 | Montana State | +38 | +18 | +15 | +5 |
| 9 | Northern Colorado | +42 | +13 | +17 | +12 |
| 10 | New Mexico | +47 | +13 | +14 | +20 |
| 11 | Hawaiʻi | +57 | +15 | +22 | +20 |
| 12 | California Baptist | +65 | +21 | +19 | +25 |
| 13 | Hawaiʻi Pacific | +87 | +26 | +40 | +21 |
Top Individuals
| Place | Player | School | To Par | Rd. 1 | Rd. 2 | Rd. 3 |
| 1 | Jasmine Koo | Southern California | -11 | -4 | -3 | -4 |
| 2 | Catherine Park | Southern California | -5 | E | -3 | -2 |
| T3 | Megan Streicher | North Carolina | -4 | -1 | -2 | -1 |
| T3 | Paula Schulz-Hanssen | Southern California | -4 | +4 | -2 | -6 |
| 5 | Pimpisa Rubrong | Arizona State | -3 | E | -3 | E |
| T6 | Bailey Shoemaker | Southern California | -2 | +1 | -6 | +3 |
| T6 | *Elise Lee | Southern California | -2 | -1 | -1 | E |
| T6 | Emma Bunch | New Mexico State | -2 | E | E | -2 |
| T6 | Grace Quintanilla | Texas State | -2 | -3 | -1 | +2 |
| T6 | Kylie Chong | Southern California | -2 | -5 | +6 | -3 |
| T6 | Yvonne Chamness | Texas State | -2 | -1 | E | -1 |
*Competing as Individual
TOURNAMENT FACTS
Dates: March 17-18, 2026
Format: 54 holes (36 Tuesday, 18 Wednesday); 5-count-4
Time: 8:00 a.m. HST shotgun start each day
Venue: Pearl at Kalauao
Location: ‘Aiea, O‘ahu
Yardage (Par): 6,246 (72)
– Pau –
Photos courtesy of Pearl at Kalauao.
TOURNAMENT FACTS
Dates: March 17-18, 2026
Format: 54 holes (36 Tuesday, 18 Wednesday); 5-count-4
Time: 8:00 a.m. HST shotgun start each day
Venue: Pearl at Kalauao
Location: ‘Aiea, O‘ahu
Yardage (Par): 6,246 (72)
– Pau –
Photos courtesy of Pearl at Kalauao.
About Pearl at Kalauao
Pearl at Kalauao, like a precious momi (pearl), is a hidden gem in O‘ahu’s golfing landscape, offering breathtaking views from Pu‘uloa to the Wai‘anae Mountains. Established in 1967 as the Francis H. ‘Ī‘ī Brown Golf and Country Club and later transitioning to Pearl Country Club in 1975, it has long welcomed both kama‘āina and visitors. Today, the course continues its legacy with new enhancements, including upgraded clubhouse amenities and short-game practice facilities. Pearl at Kalauao remains committed to sustainable stewardship of the ‘āina, fostering a connection to the land that benefits both the environment and the wider community. Learn more at www.pearlatkalauao.com.
About Troon
Pearl at Kalauao is managed by Indigo Sports, a Troon company. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 950-plus locations in 45-plus states and 40-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
