After getting past the inevitability of spending 24-some hours aboard a plane, Katie Elliott couldn't turn down a trip to South Africa for this week's 12th World University Golf Championship.

She just had to find a way to raise about $4,000.

So Elliott, a former Madison Edgewood athlete who finished her golf career at the University of Wisconsin in the spring, sat down near the computer and punched out a letter requesting donations from family friends in the Madison area.

And, needless to say, she was shocked at the response.

"I really didn't expect it," Elliott said last week, before leaving from Chicago to begin her trip to Sun City, South Africa. "It was really amazing with how people would be like, 'Here's a couple hundred bucks. Go out there and win it.' It was really encouraging."

Elliott, who shot an opening round 76 and was tied for fourth after Tuesday's first round of the four-round individual and team event, said 17 people chipped in to send her to South Africa.

Elliott is one of four female golfers representing the United States this week and playing in the women's competition. The top two golfers each day from each country also count their scores toward the team total. In Round 1, Elliott's score helped the U.S. start off in second place, two shots behind Switzerland. To follow her status, click HERE.

Elliott found out about the tournament for post-college golfers from a former Iowa golf coach.

"It was something that after considering, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity," Elliott said. "And playing a little golf would be an amazing experience."

Elliott said she has two semesters of school left at UW to finish a double major in marketing and management.

She could turn professional this fall — and head to LPGA Tour or Futures Tour Qualifying — if school allows.

"(Professional golf is) just a matter of when it can fit into my schedule," said Elliott, who is serving as a volunteer assistant on the UW women's golf team. "I'm looking forward to getting that degree. It will be a good one to have."