South Carolina's Dawn Woodard Wins 39th Women’s Southern Senior Amateur
Briefly: Dawn Woodard of Greer, SC, has been crowned the champion of the 39th Women's Southern Senior Amateur Championship after a stellar performance across three rounds at the Country Club of Salisbury. Woodard finished the tournament with a total score of 1-over-par 214, securing her win with a final round of even-par 71. Shawn McCullough of Pinehurst, NC, emerged as the champion of the Tournament Division with a final score of 12-over-par 225. Her overall score of 225 (76-71-78) solidified her win, and she now adds the Women's Southern Senior Amateur Tournament Division title to her achievements
Championship Leader: Dawn Woodard’s consistent play was the key to her success. She opened the tournament strong on Monday, shooting a 1-under-par 70. Her opening round included a flawless front nine, highlighted by a birdie at the 6th and a consistent back nine that set the tone for the week. On Tuesday, Woodard followed up with a 2-over-par 73, facing tougher conditions but managing to hold her position near the top of the leaderboard.
In Contention: Kathy Hartwiger of Pinehurst, NC, remained a strong contender throughout the Women's Southern Senior Amateur at the Country Club of Salisbury. After three rounds of competitive golf, Hartwiger finished with a total score of 219, positioning herself near the top of the leaderboard, just a few strokes away from the lead.
Hartwiger opened the tournament with a solid 1-under-par 70 on Monday, which included a strong finish on the back nine with a 36. She followed up with a challenging second round on Tuesday, carding a 6-over-par 77, leaving her just outside the lead but still in contention. In the final round on Wednesday, Hartwiger rebounded with a 1-over-par.
Tournament Leader: Shawn McCullough of Pinehurst, NC, claimed the title in the Tournament Division of the 39th Women’s Southern Senior Amateur after three challenging rounds at the Country Club of Salisbury. McCullough finished with a total score of 12-over-par 225, solidifying her position as the Tournament Division champion. McCullough opened the tournament with a 76 on Monday but quickly recovered in the second round, firing a remarkable 71 on Tuesday, the lowest round of her division. She had an impressive back nine featuring key birdies on the 11th and 17th holes.
In Wednesday's final round, McCullough posted a 7-over-par 78, maintaining her lead despite the pressure of the final day. Her steady play on both the front and back nines (39-39) kept her ahead of the field, even as conditions grew more challenging.
In Contention: Rise Alexander of Hot Springs, Arkansas, put together a strong performance to finish as the runner-up in the Tournament Division at the 39th Women's Southern Senior Amateur. Alexander posted a three-round total of 20-over-par 233, delivering a final round of 76 to secure her second-place finish at the Country Club of Salisbury.
Alexander's tournament began with a steady round of 77 on Monday. Her front nine featured consistent play, with a highlight being her birdie on the 8th hole, which helped her finish the outward nine at 37. With rounds of 77, 80, and 76, Alexander's ability to adapt to changing conditions and maintain steady play over three days showcased her competitiveness and skill. Though she fell short of the championship, her impressive final round cemented her as a key contender in the Tournament Division.
Golf Course: First time host to the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Championship, The Country Club of Salisbury offers an 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross with a par 71. Located in Salisbury, N.C. A perfect complement to a fine golf course employs an experienced, dedicated golf staff overseen by PGA Certified Class A Professional, Chad Campbell.
Weather: Today in Salisbury, North Carolina, the weather is overcast with a high of around 79°F. The sky is mostly cloudy, and it feels slightly warmer, with a heat index of about 82°F. Winds are light, coming from the north-northwest at 4 mph, with gusts reaching up to 5 mph. The humidity is at a comfortable 62%, and visibility is clear at 10 miles.
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 109th Women’s Southern Amateur Championship will take place at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, Louisiana on June 2-5, 2025.
For more information on the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur, click here.
South Carolina's Woodard Maintains Lead of 39th Women’s Southern Senior Amateur After 36-Holes
Briefly: South Carolina’s Dawn Woodard continued her steady play to maintain the lead at the Women's Southern Senior Amateur after the second round. Woodard posted a 2-over-par 73 on Tuesday, bringing her tournament total to 1-over-par 143 through 36 holes. In the Tournament Division, Shawn McCullough of North Carolina furthered her lead after a stellar second round performance at the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur. McCullough posted an even-par 71 in Round 2, bringing her total to 5-over-par 147 for the tournament.
Championship Leader: Dawn Woodard of Greer, SC followed up her opening round of 70 with a solid effort to hold onto her lead after 36 holes. The course proved to be challenging in the second round, but Woodard’s 2-over 74 performance has her well-positioned going into the final round. With a one-shot cushion over the field, she is an impressive contender heading into Wednesday’s Final Round.
In Contention: As the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Championship enters its final round, the Championship Division has a close race brewing between Kathy Hartwiger of Pinehurst, NC and Kimbra Benson of Leonardtown, MD. Both players sit tied at 5-over-par 147, making for an exciting showdown as the tournament reaches its conclusion.
Notable past champion, Kathy Hartwiger of NC, opened with an impressive 1-under-par 70 on Monday, the lowest score of the tournament. However, her second round proved more challenging as she finished with a 77, giving her a two-round total of 147. Kimbra Benson started the tournament strong with an opening round of 72, followed by a solid 75 in the second round.
Tournament Leader: After starting with a 76 in the opening round, Shawn McCullough of Pinehurst, NC rebounded impressively on Tuesday, carding an even-par 71 score. With a two-round total of 5-over-par 147, McCullough has positioned herself as the player to beat. With just one round remaining, all eyes will be on McCullough as she seeks to capture the Women's Southern Senior Amateur title in the Tournament Division.
In Contention: In the Tournament Division, Kendra Muir of Pinehurst, NC, and Rise Alexander from Hot Springs, AR, find themselves tied for second place at 15-over-par 157, both within striking distance of leader Shawn McCullough.
Kendra Muir, after posting a solid opening round of 76, faced some challenges in the second round with an 81. Rise Alexander, similarly, positioned at 15-over after rounds of 77 and 80, has demonstrated consistency which has allowed her to stay in contention. Both Muir and Alexander are 10 shots behind McCullough and will be looking to close the gap on McCullough and vie for the top spot, making for an exciting finish in the Tournament Division of the Women's Southern Senior Amateur.
Golf Course: First time host to the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Championship, The 18-hole Country Club of Salisbury in Salisbury, North Carolina is a private golf course that opened in 1925. Designed by renowned architect Donald Ross, the course stretches 6,558 yards from the longest tees with a par 71. The course features well-placed bunkers and rolling greens, offering a solid test for golfers of all levels.
Weather: Today in Salisbury, North Carolina, the weather was overcast the majority of the morning with temperatures in the high-70s, though it felt slightly warmer. The humidity was around 60%, with a light breeze coming from the north-northwest at about 4 mph.
Tournament Format: Entry to the Women's Southern Senior Championship is open to amateur golfers who have reached their 50th by September 30 and have a USGA handicap index of no more than 23.5 and 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 Women's Southern Senior Amateur was held in 1986 and won by Nita McMaster from Florida. Now in its 39th 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 Amateur is scheduled for a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. To see the pairings for the final round, click here. To see all the scores from The Country Club of Salisbury, click here.
For more information on the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur, click here.
Hartwiger and Woodard Tied for Lead After First Round of 39th Women's Southern Senior Amateur
Briefly: In an exciting start to the Women’s Southern Amateur Golf Association Senior Championship, Kathy Hartwiger of Pinehurst, NC, and Dawn Woodard from Greer, SC, share the top spot after the First Round. Both players fired impressive scores of 1-under-par 70, setting the pace for the tournament and establishing themselves as strong contenders for the title.
Championship Leaders: Kathy Hartwiger, a seasoned competitor recently representing NC, is looking to add more hardware to her trophy case. Hartwiger won the Women’s Southern Senior in 2021 when she was playing in her former state of Alabama at Craft Farms Resort. Her bogey-free back nine was key to finishing under par, putting her in prime position for the remainder of the tournament. Dawn Woodard matched Hartwiger’s performance with a very composed round. Her ability around the greens was instrumental in keeping her score low, with just enough par saves throughout the day.
In Contention: Following closely behind is Kimbra Benson of Leonardtown, MD, sitting at 1-over with a solid round of 72. Benson's strategic approach kept her in contention, and she will be looking to close the gap in the coming rounds. Kay Daniel of Covington, LA, and Suzanne Ricard of Parkland, FL, are tied for fourth place at 3-over-par 74. Daniel overcame a few early mistakes but remained resilient, carding key birdies on the back nine.
Ricard, meanwhile, managed to stay steady despite the light rain, and looks to bring back a similar performance. Tama Caldabaugh from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, currently sits in sixth place at 5-over 76 and remains within striking distance. Following her are Kie McNabb DeRidder, LA, Judy Penman of Pinehurst, NC, and Carolina Hart of Juno Beach, FL, all tied at 6-under 77, rounding out the top nine contenders.
Tournament Division Leaders: Leading the way in the Tournament Division is Shawn McCullough from Pinehurst, NC, who showed remarkable composure on the challenging course. Her steady round of 5-over 76 reflected her determination to finish on top.
Right beside her, also with a total of 76, was Kendra Muir, another Pinehurst native. Kendra’s ability to remain calm under pressure helped her navigate the tricky course. In third place, just one stroke behind, stood Rise Alexander from Hot Springs, AR, With a total of 77, Rise had fought hard throughout the day and looks to do the same tomorrow.
In Contention: Carol Ackerson of New Bern, NC, stands in fourth place after posting a solid round of 78. Just inside the top 5, Katherine DeVore of High Point, NC, is also making her move, positioning herself within reach of the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Tournament Division title. Both players are eyeing the leaderboard, ready to challenge the top contenders in the final round. Just outside the top three, these two competitors are eager to make their charge and vault themselves into contention for the Women’s Southern Senior Championship.
Golf Course: First time host to the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Championship, The 18-hole Country Club of Salisbury in Salisbury, North Carolina is a private golf course that opened in 1925. Designed by renowned architect Donald Ross, the course stretches 6,558 yards from the longest tees with a par 71. The course features well-placed bunkers and rolling greens, offering a solid test for golfers of all levels.
Weather: Today's weather in Salisbury, North Carolina was relatively mild and pleasant, with a mix of clouds and sun. The temperature hovered around the mid-70s throughout the day, peaking at 76. There's were passing showers in the afternoon, and the humidity was around 75%.
Tournament Format: Entry to the Women's Southern Senior Championship is open to amateur golfers who have reached their 50th by September 30 and have a USGA handicap index of no more than 23.5 and 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 Women's Southern Senior Amateur was held in 1986 and won by Nita McMaster from Florida. Now in its 39th 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 8:30 a.m. start with tee times off number 1 and 10. To see the pairings for the second round, click here. To see all the scores from the Country Club of Salisbury, click here.
For more information on the Women’s Southern Senior Amateur, click here.
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.