Oklahoma Commit, Audrey Rischer Wins 108th Women's Southern Amateur Championship
Tuscaloosa, June 7, 2024 – The 108th Women's Southern Amateur concluded mid-morning on Friday at the Ol' Colony Golf Complex, with Junior Medalist Audrey Rischer securing a decisive 5 and 4 victory. Rischer faced SMU Senior Ashley Chow in an early Friday morning match that quickly saw Rischer take control and set a dominant tone. The match reached its conclusion on the 14th hole when Chow missed her par putt, securing Rischer’s win.
In Contention: Audrey Rischer, from Columbia, Missouri, clinched the 108th Women's Southern Amateur this year, adding to her accolades the title of Junior Medalist, an honor she earned earlier this week as the low junior after two rounds of qualifying stroke play. With a gleaming smile and a grateful heart, Rischer packed her clubs and jumped into her parents’ car for a nine-hour drive back to Missouri around 10:30 AM on Friday at Ol’ Colony, proudly carrying two pieces of hardware.
Throughout the week, Rischer has made a name for herself as a golfer to watch, not only during this competition but also as she begins her collegiate career at Oklahoma. As the Championship match commenced on Friday, Rischer quickly heated up, birdying the first hole and swiftly moving to 3 up through the first 4 holes at Ol’ Colony. Rischer struck shot after shot, giving herself a chance for birdie on nearly every hole, rarely fumbling to make bogey. Eventually, as the match progressed, the competition became a game of putts and Rischer was able to come away with the win after putting it close for birdie on the Par 5 14th hole.
Observed by WSGA Directors, volunteers, locals, and other staff, it was evident that Rischer played with poise, grace, and confidence. Despite her dominant performance, Rischer remained humble and grounded, carefully walking the course and analyzing the greens, fully aware that her opponent, Ashley Chow, full of experience at the NCAA and USGA levels, was more than capable of making a strong comeback. This balance of confidence and humility is what sets Rischer apart and highlights her as a promising talent in the world of golf, not only as a player but also as an individual.
Weather: Perhaps the most beautiful day of the entire tournament at Ol’ Colony was saved for ideal timing. Clear skies and a slight breeze welcomed the two golfers this morning, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to lower-80s throughout the entire Championship match.
Golf Course: Built in 2000, Ol’ Colony is a Jerry Pate designed 18-hole championship golf course with 25 acres of lakes that come into play on several holes. The Bermuda grass fairways and greens are very well maintained. A premier golfing destination renowned for its challenging layout and stunning natural beauty, it has hosted the 2022 DI Men’s Golf Regional and the Epson tour.
What’s Next: The 109th Women's Southern Amateur will take place at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, Louisiana June 2-5, 2025.
More Info: For more information on the 2024 Women’s Southern Amateur click here.
Top Seed Schuster Leads the Charge into Quarterfinals of the 108th Women's Southern Amateur Championship
Briefly: Amateur medalist and top seed going into Match Play, Katherine Schuster, was able to get through two rounds at Ol’ Colony undefeated today. She defeated her first opponent, Gracie Piar, 3 and 1, and defeated Samantha Paradise in the Round of 16, 3 and 1 as well. Several matches in the Round of 16 had to go to extra holes, with ladies having to play over 36 holes in the hot, humid conditions today on the course. The 18th seed, Karoline Tuttle, out of Lake Mary, Florida, was able to defeat the leader after the first round of qualifying and 2nd seed heading into today, Kendall Turner. Tuttle upset Turner 5 and 4. Tuttle will be paired with Isabella van der Biest out of The University of Alabama in tomorrow’s Quarterfinals match.
Leaderboard Snapshot:
| Round of 16 Match Results | |||
| (1) Katherine Schuster | def. | (16) Samantha Paradise | 3 & 1 |
| (8) Ashley Chow | def. | (24) Katie Scheck | 4 & 2 |
| (13) Morgan Jones | def. | (4) Morgan Ellison | 2 up |
| (21) Karra Tucker | def. | (28) Maddie May | 4 & 3 |
| (18) Karoline Tuttle | def. | (1) Kendall Tuner | 5 & 4 |
| (26) Isabella van der Biest | def. | (23) Allie Justiz | 4 & 3 |
| (2) Audrey Rischer | def. | (19) Gracie Heinle | 3 & 2 |
| (6) Taryn Walker | def. | (11) Alise Knudson | 1 up |
| Quarterfinals Matches | |||
| (1) Katherine Schuster | vs. | (8) Ashley Chow | 7:30 AM |
| (13) Morgan Jones | vs. | (21) Karra Tucker | 7:40 AM |
| (18) Karoline Tuttle | vs. | (26) Isabella van der Biest | 7:50 AM |
| (2) Audrey Rischer | vs. | (6) Taryn Walker | 8:00 AM |
In Contention: Katherine Schuster advances to the Quarterfinals with a lot of momentum coming off two consecutive days of commanding golf. She will take the top seed into the Quarterfinals and face Ashley Chow, a talented and experienced golfer out of Southern Methodist University, at 7:30 a.m. Also in contention is Van der Biest. Undoubtedly, van der Biest has played Ol’ Colony a multitude of times as a Junior on the Crimson Tide. Audrey Rischer, the number 3 seed and Oklahoma signee, is also a player to keep an eye on as she has performed consistently well since the start of play on Monday.
Weather: Early morning dew and light showers gave way to a mix of clouds and sunshine for the second half of Wednesday at Ol’ Colony Golf Complex. More sunshine and high temperatures are expected tomorrow for the Quarterfinal and Semifinal Matches.
Golf Course: Built in 2000, Ol’ Colony is a Jerry Pate designed 18-hole championship golf course with 25 acres of lakes that come into play on several holes. The Bermuda grass fairways and greens are very well maintained. A premier golfing destination renowned for its challenging layout and stunning natural beauty hosted the 2022 DI Men’s Golf Regional.
What’s Next: The final eight players will advance to tomorrow’s Quarterfinals beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the Semifinal Matches to start at 12:30 p.m. Only two players will remain after Thursday’s rounds.
More Info: For more information on the 2024 Women’s Southern Amateur click here.
Schuster and Rischer Earn Medalist and Junior Medalist Honors at WSGA Amateur Championship Qualifying
Briefly: Katherine Schuster from Clemson University led the field most of the day before carding a five-under 67. Schuster started strong, recording three birdies in the first three holes during the second round of qualifying for the WSGA Amateur Championship in Tuscaloosa, AL. She closed the day with a lengthy birdie putt on the 18th, cruising to a 3-shot lead over the rest of the players and earning medalist honors in the final round of qualifying.
| 1 | Katherine Schuster | Outer Banks, NC | -3 | 67 |
| T2 | Kendall Turner | Chesapeake, VA | E | 74 |
| T2 | Audrey Rischer | Columbia, MO | E | 72 |
| T4 | Morgan Ellison | Peachtree City, GA | +4 | 72 |
| T4 | Anna Claire Bridge | Collierville, TN | +4 | 73 |
| T4 | Taryn Walker | Prospect, KY | +4 | 73 |
In Contention: Katherine Schuster, born and raised in Outer Banks, North Carolina, dominated Ol’ Colony Golf Complex today recording a 5-under 67, the best round of the day by five shots. Schuster plays collegiately at Clemson University as a Junior. Kendall Turner, the leader after Monday’s round of qualifying and Audrey Rischer sat close behind Schuster, both ending the day tied for second at even par. Rischer earned Junior Medalist after Tuesday’s qualifying round and will advance to match play with some momentum and confidence in her play amongst already collegiate
Thirty-two players posted rounds inside the cut line of 14-over to qualify for the Amateur Championship bracket, with the first two rounds of match play beginning tomorrow. The golfers will be seeded in their matches and face their prospective opponents starting early Wednesday morning. Visit the bracket for match play here.
Weather: The weather was beautiful Tuesday at Ol’ Colony. Threats of morning storms simply disappeared, leaving way to lots of sunshine, humidity, and blue skies. Although the heat was apparent, golfers were thankful for no rain delays, leading to a smooth, steady day of play.
Golf Course: Built in 2000, Ol’ Colony is a Jerry Pate designed 18-hole championship golf course with 25 acres of lakes that come into play on several holes. The Bermuda grass fairways and greens are very well maintained. A premier golfing destination renowned for its challenging layout and stunning natural beauty hosted the 2022 DI Men’s Golf Regional.
What’s Next: Match play will start in the morning at 7:30 a.m. The round of thirty-two and round of sixteen will both take place tomorrow.
More Info: For more information on the 2024 Women’s Southern Amateur click here.
Kendall Turner Leads After First Round of Qualifying at 108th Women's Southern Amateur
Briefly: Kendall Turner of Virginia leads at 2-under par 70 after the first round of qualifying for the WSGA Amateur Championship at Ol’ Colony Golf Course in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Turner, a redshirt senior at James Madison University in Chesapeake, carded the only under-par round today, which included three birdies, fourteen pars, and only one bogey on the 4th hole. Her consistent performance has set a strong foundation as she heads into the next round of qualifying tomorrow. The rest of the field sits at even-par or above.
In Contention: Audrey Rischer from Columbia, Missouri, who is committed to play college golf at Oklahoma, shot even-par. Brianna Castaldi of Port St. Lucie, Florida, posted a 1-over 73, remaining even-par until a closing bogey on the 18th hole. Brianna is a freshman at East Tennessee State University.
Four players sit tied for fourth at a 2-under 74, Katherine Schuster of North Carolina, Keira Yun of Kentucky, Karoline Tuttle of Florida and Hannah Herbel of North Dakota. After tomorrow’s second round of qualifying, the top-32 players will advance to Match Play, with the Round of 32 to be played Wednesday morning.
Weather: The weather held steady today at Ol’ Colony. Morning clouds gave way to a pleasant afternoon of a mix of clouds and sunshine. With more weather expected throughout the rest of the week, players and spectators are hopefully that the storms find their way around Ol’ Colony, keeping play nice and steady.
Golf Course: Built in 2000, Ol’ Colony is a Jerry Pate designed 18-hole championship golf course with 25 acres of lakes that come into play on several holes. The Bermuda grass fairways and greens are very well maintained. A premier golfing destination renowned for its challenging layout and stunning natural beauty hosted the 2022 DI Men’s Golf Regional.
What’s Next: The second round of stroke play qualifying will take place Tuesday, June 4th with matches begging at 7:30 a.m.
More Info: For more information on the 2024 Women’s Southern Amateur click here.
Kim Keyer-Scott Wins 38th WSGA Senior Amateur Championship
Briefly: Kim Keyer-Scott of Florida wins the 38th Women’s Southern Amateur Championship at Hot Springs Country Club after firing a final round score of 4-over 76. Carolyn Creekmore of Florida captures the Super Senior Champion title in the Championship Division with her final round score of 4-over 76. Julia Sedate of Texas carded a final round score of 3-over 75 to win in the Tournament Division by commanding seven strokes. Rebecca Huber and Pat Elliott, both from Arkansas, performed exceptionally well, carding tournament totals of 267 to secure the Super Senior Champion title in the Tournament Division.
Leaders: Adding her name to the Katherine Graham Trophy for a second time, Kim Keyer-Scott joins elite company. The 2020 WSGA Senior Amateur Champion put together a fantastic final round to win the Championship Division by three strokes. Just a little over two weeks ago Keyer-Scott made a fantastic run in the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur making it all the way to the final four matches. Keyer-Scott came into Wednesday’s final round tied with three other competitors – two of which were past champions. It was on the back nine when she just pulled away from the pack with her first birdie coming on the par-4 eleventh hole. Despite the two bogeys that followed it was her birdie on the par-4 eighteenth, which happened to play as hardest hole throughout the tournament, that was the perfect final touch to her second WSGA Senior Amateur win.
In the Tournament Division, Julia Sedate of Texas was the competitor to beat this week. The first and second round leader, Sedate pulled off an incredible victory at Hot Springs Country Club, which happened to also be her first WSGA win. The Texas resident posted rounds of 78-79-75 to get to a tournament total of 232 to win by seven strokes.
In Contention: In the Championship Division, Kathy Hartwiger from North Carolina, and Kelley Nittoli from Texas both posted final round scores of 7-over 79, finishing in second and third place, respectively. Both Hartwiger and Nittoli were looking to secure their second win Wednesday at Hot Springs Country Club. In the Tournament Division, Arkansas resident and Hot Springs Country Club member Rise Alexander made an impressive charge late in the tournament. Alexander carded rounds of 83-76-80 to trail Sedate by seven strokes and finish runner-up. In solo third was Carole Turnage of Texas who carded a final round score of 7-over 79 on Wednesday.
Golf Course: The Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Championship returns to Hot Springs Country Club, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas for the second time, first in 2015 on the Arlington Course and again in 2023 on the Park Course. This beautiful 18-hole course was constructed in 1898 by Willie Park, Jr. Extensive renovation completed in 2001 provided for 6,852 yards of lush fairways, Bentgrass greens, watery challenges, and breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
Weather: Temperatures began this morning again in the high 40s but with the sun showing itself early during the round, playing conditions improved tremendously for the second round. The temperature in the second half of the round reached the high 60s with winds around 5mph.
Tournament Format: Entry to the WSGA Senior Championship is open to amateur golfers who have reached their 50th birthday by October 16, have a USGA handicap index of no more than 23.5, and are members of the WSGA through a WSGA member golf club or a women’s golf organization located within the 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia. Scheduled for 54-holes of stroke play, the WSGA Senior Amateur will feature two sets of tees to separate the Championship and Tournament divisions. The Championship Division will play from 5,800 yards while the Tournament Division will play from 5,300 yards. After 36 holes, the players will be divided into flights.
Women’s Southern Golf Association: The first WSGA Senior Amateur was held in 1986 and won by Nita McMaster from Florida. Now in its 38th year, the event continues to attract some of the southern state’s most elite female amateur golfers. Southern states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Next Up: The 108th WSGA Amateur Championship will take place at Ol’ Colony Golf Course in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on June 3-6, 2024. To see all the scores from Hot Springs Country Club – Park Course, click here.
For more information on the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur, click here.
Nittoli, Keyer-Scott, Hartwiger, and Kennedy Lead 38th WSGA Senior Amateur Championship After 36-Holes
Briefly: After 36 holes, four players sit tied for the lead at 8-over 152 in the 38th WSGA Senior Amateur Championship; Kathy Hartwiger of North Carolina, Kim Keyer-Scott of Florida, Kelley Nittoli of Texas and Amy Kennedy of Florida. Texas’ Julie Sedate extended her lead in the Tournament Division after shooting a 7-over 79 and will head into the final round with a commanding three stroke lead.
In Contention: In the Championship Division, three of the four players tied for the lead are past champions. Round one co-leaders, Kim Keyer-Scott, and Kelley Nittoli, held on to their lead after posting second round scores of 5-over 77s. Still hot from her final-four finish in the 61st U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, Kim Keyer-Scott put up a fight in Tuesday’s round, combing two bogies, two double bogies and a birdie on the par 3 fifteenth hole. Matching Keyer-Scott’s 77, defending champion Kelley Nittoli’s solo birdie came on the par 4 eighth.
Prior to Tuesdays second round, Amy Kennedy of Naples, Florida was sitting tied for fifth and two strokes back from the lead. Kennedy had a near perfect front-9 with one bogey and a birdie on the par 5 fifth hole and despite a challenging back-9 featuring five bogeys, she managed to secure two more birdies. Kennedy is 5-over for the tournament and is looking for her first WSGA win. Just one stroke back from the lead prior to Tuesday’s round, Kathy Hartwiger of Pinehurst, North Carolina matched her first-round score of 4-over 76. Hartwiger is looking for her second win.
First round leader Julia Sedate carded a 7-over 79 to put her at 13-over overall to extend her lead in the Tournament Division. Sedate saw a total of two birdies in Tuesday’s round which came on the par 3 seventh and tenth holes. Hot Springs Country Club member Rise Alexander bested her first-round score with the Tournament Division low round of 4-over 76 to put herself just three strokes behind the lead heading into Wednesday’s final round. Alexander had a total of three birdies, two of which came back-to-back on the tenth and eleventh holes.
Golf Course: The Women’s Southern Senior Amateur has returned to Woodside Country Club, located in Aiken, South Carolina for the second time, first in 2007 and again in 2022. Woodside originally opened in 1987 with 18 holes designed by Rees Jones. The club completed an expansion in the spring of 1991, bringing the Woodside Member an additional 18 holes built by Bob Cupp, where this competition is being contested.
Weather: Temperatures began this morning again in the high 40s but with the sun showing itself early during the round, playing conditions improved tremendously for the second round. The temperature in the second half of the round reached the high 60s with winds around 5mph.
Tournament Format: Entry to the WSGA Senior Championship is open to amateur golfers who have reached their 50th birthday by October 16, have a USGA handicap index of no more than 23.5, and are members of the WSGA through a WSGA member golf club or a women’s golf organization located within the 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia. Scheduled for 54-holes of stroke play, the WSGA Senior Amateur will feature two sets of tees to separate the Championship and Tournament divisions. The Championship Division will play from 5,800 yards while the Tournament Division will play from 5,300 yards. After 36 holes, the players will be divided into flights.
Women’s Southern Golf Association: The first WSGA Senior Amateur was held in 1986 and won by Nita McMaster from Florida. Now in its 38th year, the event continues to attract some of the southern state’s most elite female amateur golfers. Southern states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Next Up: The final round of the Women’s Southern Senior is scheduled for a 9:00 a.m. shotgun on Wednesday, October 18th. To see the pairings for the final round, click here. To see all the scores from Hot Springs Country Club – Park Course, click here.
For more information on the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur, click here.
Nittoli and Keyer-Scott Lead 38th WSGA Senior Amateur Championship
Briefly: Texas’s Kelley Nittoli and Florida’s Kim Keyer-Scott share the lead in the 38th WSGA Senior Amateur Championship after carding 3-over 75s at the Park Course at Hot Springs Country Club. Texas’s Julia Sedate leads the Tournament Division by three strokes after shooting a 6-over 78 on Monday.
Leaders: Defending champion, Kelley Nittoli of San Antonio, Texas and past champion Kim Keyer-Scott of Estero, Florida share the lead in a Championship division by a single stroke heading into the second round. Nittoli had a total of three birdies in Monday’s round, two on the front nine and one on the par 5 13th hole. Keyer-Scott, who won the championship in 2020, had one birdie in Monday’s round which came on the par 3 3rd hole. Julie Sedate of Farmers Branch holds a three-stroke lead in the Tournament Division after firing a 6-over 78 in the first round.
In Contention: With a tight leaderboard in the Championship Division, an exciting second round is expected tomorrow at the Park Course at Hot Springs Country Club. Tied for third at 4-over 76 are past champion, Kathy Hartwiger of North Carolina and Wendi Christensen of Florida who trail Nittoli and Keyer-Scott by one stroke. Amy Kennedy of Florida, Mina Hardin of Texas and Julie Oxendine of Arkansas sit tied for third and are only two strokes behind the lead heading into tomorrow’s second round. In the Tournament Division, a total of three players sit tied for second at 9-over 81: Carol Turnage of Texas, Mary Payne of West Virginia and Kayla Bailey of Texas.
Golf Course: The Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Championship returns to Hot Springs Country Club, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas for the second time, first in 2015 on the Arlington Course and again in 2023 on the Park Course. This beautiful 18-hole course was constructed in 1898 by Willie Park, Jr. Extensive renovation completed in 2001 provided for 6,852 yards of lush fairways, Bentgrass greens, watery challenges, and breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
Weather: Temperatures started this morning in the mid-40s accompanied by a brisk wind but reached the mid-60s by the afternoon thanks to the sunny skies. Winds remained steady around 6 mph with a zero percent chance of rain.
Tournament Format: Entry to the WSGA Senior Championship is open to amateur golfers who have reached their 50th birthday by October 16, have a USGA handicap index of no more than 23.5, and are members of the WSGA through a WSGA member golf club or a women’s golf organization located within the 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia. Scheduled for 54-holes of stroke play, the WSGA Senior Amateur will feature two sets of tees to separate the Championship and Tournament divisions. The Championship Division will play from 5,800 yards while the Tournament Division will play from 5,300 yards. After 36-holes, the players will be divided into flights.
Women’s Southern Golf Association: The first WSGA Senior Amateur was held in 1986 and won by Nita McMaster from Florida. Now in its 38th year, the event continues to attract some of the southern state’s most elite female amateur golfers. Southern states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Next Up: The second round of the Women’s Southern Senior is scheduled for an 9:00 a.m. shotgun on Tuesday, October 17th. To see the pairings for the second round, click here. To see all the scores from Hot Springs Country Club, click here.
For more information on the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur, click here.
McMyler Wins the Women’s Southern Golf Association’s Amateur; Nunn Makes History in the Mid-Amateur
Briefly: The top two seeds in the Women’s Southern Amateur Championship faced off in the final match. Grace Jin, who began the week with a blistering 8-under par 64 in the stroke play qualifying round went toe-to-toe with the 2nd seed Emma McMyler. A back-and-forth match saw McMyler make the turn 1 up, but Jin was able to tie the match on the 14th hole. McMyler regained the lead going 1 up through fifteen holes and held that heading into the 18th hole on the Tournament Course at the Golf Club of Houston before Jin made a clutch par to tie the match.
McMyler composed herself and made birdie on the first hole to win in 19 holes. McMyler has history at the Golf Club of Houston as she also claimed victory in the 101st Women’s Texas Amateur a mere eleven months ago.
Lucy Nunn made history with her victory in the Mid-Amateur Championship Finals as the first participant to win the Women’s Southern Amateur Championship and Mid-Amateur Championship. Nunn dominated throughout the final match against the 1st seed Dawn Woodard, making the turn 3 up through nine before winning 5 & 3. Nunn previously won the Women’s Southern Amateur Championship in 2008 at The Clubs of Kingwood Island Course.
In the Amateur Championship First Flight Finals, 2nd seed Daozeng Liu finished the week off with a victory over Bella Bugg, the 5th seed, 2 up.
Amateur Final Match
(2) Ema McMyler def. (1) Grace Jin, 19 holes
Mid-Amateur Final Match
(3) Lucy Nunn def. (1) Dawn Woodard, 5 & 3
Earlier Matches: In the Semifinals of the Amateur Championship, top see Grace Jin continued her rock-solid play as she did throughout the week with a convincing 5 & 4 victory over local product and 12th seed Bella Flores. Emma McMyler was able to keep pace with Jin as she defeated two-time Women’s Southern Amateur champion Calynne Rosholt, the 3rd seed, 2 & 1.
The Mid-Amateur Championship Semifinals another top seed, Dawn Woodard, take down the 5th seed Kelley Nittoli 3 & 2. Lucy Nunn secured her spot in the Finals after a convincing 5 & 4 victory over Meghan Moake, the 7th seed.
Golf Course: Encompassing over 900 acres, the Golf Club of Houston features 36 holes that weave through a wooded landscape filled with native marshes and waterways. Designed by Jim Hardy and Peter Jacobsen, the Member Course opened in 2002, followed by the Tournament Course designed by Rees Jones, Greg Muirhead and David Toms, which opened in 2005. The Golf Club of Houston has built an impressive championship pedigree in its brief history. For 17 years, the club hosted the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, first played on the Member Course from 2003-2005 and then moved to the Tournament Course from 2006-2019.
For the Women’s Southern Golf Association’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur, the Tournament Course will be set up at approximately 6,230 yards and 5,811 yards, respectively, and play to a par 72. But yardage alone doesn’t tell the story of the challenges that await. The strategic nature of the design means golfers will be constantly forced to think about numerous aspects of their shots both off the tee and into the green, placing a premium on the angle and trajectory. With penalty areas lining the playing corridors on many holes, prudent course management skills will also be essential, especially during head-to-head competition.
General Manager Reese McCall explained why this course will be a great test for match play; “The back nine is set up very well for match play with a great mix of scoring opportunities down the stretch along with some holes that will catch your attention. Hopefully, we have some matches that come down to No. 18, also known as ‘the ball washer.’ The finishing hole on the Tournament Course had consistently been one of the toughest holes on the PGA Tour year after year.”
More Info: For more information on the 2023 Women’s Southern Amateur & Mid-Amateur click here.
Amateur Championship Flight – Finals
Emma McMyler (2) def. Grace Jin (1), 19 holes
Amateur Championship Flight – Semifinals
Grace Jin (1) def. Bella Flores (12), 5 & 4
Emma McMyler (2) def. Calynne Rosholt (3), 2 & 1
Mid-Amateur Championship Flight –Finals
Lucy Nunn (3) def. Dawn Woodard (1), 5 & 3
Mid-Amateur Championship Flight – Semifinals
Dawn Woodard (1) def. Kelley Nittoli (5), 3 & 2
Lucy Nunn (3) def. Meghan Moake (7), 5 & 4
Amateur Championship First Flight – Finals
Daozeng Liu (2) def. Bella Bugg (5), 2up
Kelley Nittoli of Texas Wins 37th Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Championship
Briefly: Kelley Nittoli of Texas wins the 37th Women’s Southern Amateur at Woodside Country Club after firing a final round even-par 72 that included back-to-back birdies on the twelfth and thirteenth holes. Florida’s Beatriz Arenas captures victory of the Super Senior title in the Championship Division after carding a final round 6-over 78. Patty Moore of North Carolina shoots a final round 7-over 79 to win in the Tournament Division by eight strokes also earning her the Super Senior title.
Leaders: Adding her name to the Katherine Graham Trophy for a second time, Kelley Nittoli joins elite company. The 2014 Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Champion, Kelley Nittoli, put together a fantastic final round to win the Championship Division by five strokes. Fittingly, Nittoli was born in Augusta, Georgia, making this victory extra special. Nittoli came into Wednesday’s final round just one shot back from the lead but matched her second-round score of even-par 72 to cap the championship off. It was on the back nine when she really caught fire – pairing her back-to-back birdies with a bogey-free back nine score of 2-under 34. Patty Moore, who was the leader of the Tournament Division after the second round, posted rounds of 85-78-79 to get to a tournament total of 242.
In Contention: In the Championship Division, both Laura Coble of Augusta, Georgia and 2021 Women’s Southern Amateur Champion, Kathy Hartwiger of Birmingham, Alabama card final round scores of 3-over 75s at Woodside Country Club to earn second place. In the Tournament Division, Aiken, South Carolina native Sherri Vogel matched her first-round score of 12-over 84 earning her the number two spot in her flight. One stroke back from Vogel is Ann Watkins of Pinehurst, North Carolina who carded a final round score of 10-over 82.
Golf Course: The Women’s Southern Senior Amateur has returned to Woodside Country Club, located in Aiken, South Carolina for the second time, first in 2007 and again in 2022. Woodside originally opened in 1987 with 18 holes designed by Rees Jones. The club completed an expansion in the spring of 1991, bringing the Woodside Member an additional 18 holes built by Bob Cupp, where this competition is being contested.
Weather: Temperatures were in the low 50s early this morning but quickly warmed up as soon as the sun came out. Sunny conditions paired with barely any wind resulted in perfect weather for the final round of the 37th Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Championship.
Tournament Format: Entry to the WSGA Senior Championship is open to amateur golfers who have reached their 50th birthday by October 3, have a USGA handicap index of no more than 23.5, and are members of the WSGA through a WSGA member golf club or a women’s golf organization located within the 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia. Scheduled for 54-holes of stroke play, the WSGA Senior Amateur will feature two sets of tees to separate the Championship Division and Tournament Division. The Championship Division will play from 5,700 yards while the Tournament Division will play from 5,300 yards. After 36-holes, both Divisions will be divided into flights after the second round.
Women’s Southern Golf Association: The first WSGA Senior Amateur was held in 1986 and won by Nita McMaster from Florida. Now in its 37th year, the event continues to attract some of the southern state’s most elite female amateur golfers. Southern states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Next Up: The Women’s Southern Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships are scheduled for June 5-8, 2023 at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble, Texas. To see all the scores from Woodside Country Club – Cupp Course, click here.
For more information on the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur, click here.
Florida’s Higgins Leads 37th Women’s Southern Amateur after 36-Holes
Briefly: Florida’s Gigi Higgins fired a second round even-par 72 to take the 36-hole lead in the Championship Division at the 37th Women’s Southern Amateur. North Carolina native Patty Moore leads the Tournament Division by three strokes after shooting the low round of 6-over 78 on Tuesday.
Leaders: Gigi Higgins leads the Championship Division by a single stroke heading into the final round. Higgins, who began Tuesday’s round six shots back from the lead, got off to a rocky start with three bogeys on her front nine. She made the turn at 3-over and added an additional bogey on the par 4 tenth hole when her round took a dramatic shift after a birdie on the par-5 twelfth hole. Higgins blistered the back nine with a 3-under 33 after rolling in three back-to-back birdies to get back to even. Patty Moore bested her first-round score with the Tournament Division low round of 78 to take the lead by three strokes. Starting on the back nine, she played a consistent round combining one birdie and three bogeys to make the turn at 2-over 38. On the other side, Moore combined her birdie on the par 4 fifth hole with one double bogey and two bogeys.
In Contention: In the Championship Division, Kelley Nittoli of Texas sits just one back from the lead after matching Higgins’ even-par round of 72. Two shots back from the lead is Tennessee’s Erica Chappell who carded a 3-over 75 for a tournament total of 153. Defending Champion Kathy Hartwiger of Alabama and Laura Coble of Georgia trail the lead by three strokes, making for a thrilling final round tomorrow at Woodside Country Club. In the Tournament Division, Sherri Vogel of South Carolina sits three back from the lead after carding a 10-over 82, matching the first-round low score. First round leader, Bonnie Fry of Maryland is five back strokes from the lead after shooting a 14-over 82 for a tournament total of 168.
Golf Course: The Women’s Southern Senior Amateur has returned to Woodside Country Club, located in Aiken, South Carolina for the second time, first in 2007 and again in 2022. Woodside originally opened in 1987 with 18 holes designed by Rees Jones. The club completed an expansion in the spring of 1991, bringing the Woodside Member an additional 18 holes built by Bob Cupp, where this competition is being contested.
Weather: Temperatures began this morning again in the high 40s but with the sun showing itself early during the round, playing conditions improved tremendously for the second round. The temperature in the second half of the round reached the high 60s with winds around 9mph.
Tournament Format: Entry to the WSGA Senior Championship is open to amateur golfers who have reached their 50th birthday by October 3, have a USGA handicap index of no more than 23.5, and are members of the WSGA through a WSGA member golf club or a women’s golf organization located within the 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia. Scheduled for 54-holes of stroke play, the WSGA Senior Amateur will feature two sets of tees to separate the Championship Division and Tournament Division. The Championship Division will play from 5,700 yards while the Tournament Division will play from 5,300 yards. After 36-holes, both Divisions will be divided into flights of round.
Women’s Southern Golf Association: The first WSGA Senior Amateur was held in 1986 and won by Nita McMaster from Florida. Now in its 37th year, the event continues to attract some of the southern state’s most elite female amateur golfers. Southern states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Next Up: The final round of the Women’s Southern Senior is scheduled for an 8:30 a.m. shotgun on Wednesday, October 5th. To see the pairings for the final round, click here. To see all the scores from Woodside Country Club – Cupp Course, click here.
For more information on the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur, click here.