BOISE, Idaho – Kelli Ann Strand is set to take the golf world by storm. The 14-year-old from Challis, Idaho has already qualified for two national junior golf tournaments this summer. An Idaho State Amateur trophy may be next on her list of accolades, and she isn’t even a high school freshman yet.
Strand shot an even par 72 in Thursday’s first round and leads by 3 strokes at Shadow Valley Golf Course.
Strand recorded 3 birdies and no bogeys on the front nine for a 3-under 33. On the back, she showed no signs of slowing down with an eagle on the par-5 13th hole, but then a triple bogey on 15 slowed the momentum. Still, Strand is proving that she belongs at the top of the leaderboard even as the youngest player in the field heading into the second round.
Oregon State golfer Haley Nist and former Idaho Women’s State Amateur champion (2014) is in a tie for 2nd after posting a 75 (+3).
Tied with Nist is the 2018 State Match Play champion Kris Fenwick of Boise.
The Idaho Women’s State Amateur has been contested since 1934.
View full results here.