BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Augustana women's golf was picked to finish fourth in the 2026-27 NSIC women's golf preseason coaches' poll. Payton Drefke was selected as the Viking to watch. 

Director of Golf Coralee Jorgensen said "We are pleased to have a roster of six new players on the team this year. Maddie Childs, Jadyn McDonald, Nora Benson, Carmen Jirele, Tatum Gatheridge and Kennedy Mara. They bring an air of excitement to the entire team. Each player will add an element of greatness to our team."

The Vikings return Drefke, Anna Eckmann, Hanna Knoop, Joey Koth and Amanda McRoberts. 

Jorgensen continued, "Payton is a junior at Augustana this year. Her golf game has improved each year. I expect nothing different this golf season. Her dedication to working hard along with her physical strength, will ensure her drive on the course."

The Ankeny, Iowa native, Drefke, competed in 27 rounds in the 2025-26 season and averaged 80.4 strokes per round and was named an NSOC Golfer of the Week last season after she fielded a season-best round of 68 at the Travis Roy Memorial Invite.