2019 Women’s Amateur FINAL – Kittelson Fights For The WIN
Anna Kittelson Shares Her Victory With Her Best Friend & Caddy, Ben.
Anna Kittelson started her day tied for the lead with Payton Fehringer, but after a strong front nine posting four birdies and one bogey, she held a five stroke lead making the turn.
However, the back nine was no easy road to victory. Making the turn onto 10, Kittelson drove it left into the trees leaving her with her first of four bogeys on the back nine. “Going into 10 I kind of knew I had it in the bag, and then as I started to play more I didn’t trust myself as much so I had a rough couple of holes on the back nine” says Kittelson.
Kittelson and her caddy, Ben, were able to regain focus on 17 landing her second shot on the green to make birdie and a two-putt par on 18. “Ben did a great job helping me get out of my head and really helped me get back in the game mentally to finish strong.” Kittelson finished the final day with a 74 and a three day total of 226 (+10).
Day two co-leader, Payton Fehringer was a tough match for Kittelson as she put up a fight through the end. Fehringer ended the day with a 79, and tied with Laura Gerner for second place with a three day total of 231. Laura Gerner had a strong final round posting a 74 (+2), even after taking a triple bogey 8 on the par 5, hole number 8.
The Women’s Amateur trophy was dedicated and named after seven-time champion Jean Smith. The Trophy was unveiled and presented to Jean Smith during the Idaho Golf Association’s 50th anniversary celebrations this week at Clear Lake Country Club. While Jean Smith was able to attend the award ceremony close friend, and past champion Karen Darrington presented the trophy to Kittelson.To view all the scores click HERE
2019 Women’s Amateur Day Two – Fehringer Ties Up The Lead
Day one leader Anna Kittelson continued to play well in the second day, but a 3 putt on 18 gave competitor, Payton Fehringer the room she needed to tie up the lead. Both competitors have a two-day score of 152 (+8). Fehringer is an incoming sophomore at Grand Canyon University where she was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the year.
While the lead is tied between Kittelson and Fehringer, players Kelli Ann Strand and Laura Gerner are close behind to add pressure going into the championship round.
Day three should bring great competition and could be filled with surprises to see who becomes the 2019 Women’s Amateur Champion.
To view all scores click HERE
Payton Fehringer ties up the lead on 18
Anna Kittelson Misses her second put on 18 by a hair
2019 Women’s Amateur Day One – Kittelson Takes The Lead:
20 women tee’d off today for the start of the 2019 Women’s Amateur at Clear Lake Country Club in Jerome, ID. The course is in gorgeous shape, but the weather conditions tested the field with 30 mph winds consistently throughout the round.
Anna Kittelson, incoming Sophomore at Midwestern State University, made her mark during the first day of the Women’s AM. Kittelson put up two back to back birdies on the back nine and consistently posted low scores ending the day with 76 (+4). Kittelson holds a two-stroke lead over Payton Fehringer last week’s four-ball champion.
With two days left in the 54-hole tournament, Kittelson will need to continue to come out the gate strong to hold her lead.
To view all scores click HERE
2019 Four-Ball Championship (Final Day)
Jerome, ID - The Four-Ball Championship took place at Jerome Country Club June 8-9. The final round could not have been a better day for golf at 70 degrees and clear skies, the players were thrilled with the turn out and with the conditions of the course.
Hunter Ostrom and Doug Schlosser secured first place in the Men’s Division with a two-day total of 128 (-16). It was the third year in a row that a Hunter Ostrom led team has taken the Men’s Division Championship. Ostrom ended the weekend with a whopping 17 birdies, and only 5 bogeys. Scholsser got their championship securing round started with a birdie on the first hole. Day one leaders, Jesse Campa and Clancy Cockerham kept the competition close, but a few bogeys saw them losing by 3 strokes in the end.
The Senior Four-Ball Championship was closely contested, and it was the team of Jay Sutton and Dan Pickens who came out on top over their final pairing opponents Joe Malay and Randal Cross after making par on the first play off hole. Sutton and Pickens take home the title of Four-Ball Senior Champions for the third year in a row. Sutton had an impressive 8 birdies for the weekend. Joe Malay didn’t leave a dry eye in the crowd during his speech at the senior award ceremony. Malay explained the trials he has been through over the last several years and what it means to him to be able to play golf and to compete at this high of a level. “I love these events, and I am so thrilled to be playing with such amazing people” said Malay.
The Women’s Four-Ball Championship day one leaders Payton Fehringer and Natalie Mullins ended the weekend with 139 (-7) to take home first place by 5 strokes. Fehringer and Mullins had control of their lead throughout the event, but Abby Black and Sheryl Scott gave them a run for their money by posting a 69 (-4) on the final day.
Final Scores are available: Mens | Senior Men’s | Women’s
You are able to view the event photo album HERE
Payton Fehringer
Hunter Ostrom and Doug Schlosser
Jay Sutton and Dan Pickens
Natalie Mullins
2019 Four-Ball Championship
Jerome, ID - The Four-Ball Championships had a change of scenery this year. Traditionally held in the Treasure Valley, the 2019 Four-Ball is being hosted by Jerome Country Club. This championship has fields in the Men’s Amateur, Women’s, and Senior Men’s Divisions.
Jesse Campa and Clancy Cockerham ended their first day with a score of 64 (-8). On the back nine Campa and Cockerham followed up a spectacular front nine, helping them take hold of the lead. Defending champion Hunter Ostrom and partner Doug Scholsser were close behind with a score of 65 (-7). Ostrom, a junior at Notre Dame, had 4 birdies in a row on the back nine and 9 total birdies on the day.
Dan Pickens and Jay Sutton hold the Senior field day one lead with a score of 69 (-3). Joe Malay and Randal Cross ended close behind them with 70 (-2).
The Women’s field Payton Fehringer and Natalie Mullins ended the day at 72 (-1) leaving them with a three-shot lead going into the final round.
Day two should be filled with competitive spirit and fun.
You can view the event photo album on our Facebook Page
Payton Fehringer
Day Two: Alternate Shot & Parent Child Championship
Nampa, Idaho – It was a cold and damp day at the final round of the Idaho Alternate Shot and Parent Child Championship. Despite the rainy conditions the players persisted and played well at Redhawk Golf Course.
Day one leaders, Scott and Jeff Masingill were able to hold their lead in the Parent Child Championship with a 72 and a total score of 138 (-4) for the two-day tournament. “The format was fun, and it was a great weekend of golf” Scott said after the final round and “it was the most fun you could ever have” his son Jeff noted.
In the Alternate Shot, Kareen Markle and Scott Vermeer finished with another 69 following their first day score of 69 and a total score of 138 (-4).
View the event photo album on our facebook page
You are able to view all final scores HERE.
Scott Vermeer & Karen Markle Alternate Shot Champions
Jeff and Scott Masingill Parent Child Champions
Day One: Alternate Shot & Parent Child Championship
Jeff Masingill
Nampa, Idaho – Today tee’d off the first day of the Alternate Shot and Parent Child State Championships at Redhawk Golf Course. The conditions took a pleasant turn and the rain subsided for a beautiful day of amateur golf.
The father-son duo: Scott and Jeff Masingill took the lead of the Parent Child Championship with a score of 66 (-5) leaving them with a seven-shot lead over another father-son duo, Houston and Todd Ostrom.
Perhaps Scott’s former professional career prepared him to put up a low number with his son Jeff. Scott was also a member of the 2019 PNGA Cup Team.
In the Alternate Shot, Hunter Ostrom and Kim Ostrom finished with a 68 (-3). Kareen Markle and Scott Vermeer finished close behind with a score of 69 (-2).
Hunter Ostrom is currently playing at Notre Dame, and a Treasure Valley graduate from Bishop Kelly High School. The final round should be interesting with Hunter and Kim Ostrom holding a one stroke lead over Kareen, the 2018 Women’s and Senior Women’s Player of the Year, and Scott Vermeer member of the 2018 PNGA Cup Team.
View the event photo album on our facebook page
Be sure to follow along with the final round and view all scores HERE.
Vanier wins Back-to-Back Senior Am Titles, Lodge Dominates Super Senior Division
Gary Vanier
McCALL, Idaho - Gary Vanier’s game was just hot enough to overcome cold conditions in the mountains of central Idaho. The Tetonia, ID resident won the 2018 Idaho Senior Amateur Championship, shooting 74-72-73 (219) to best Scott Masingill by a stroke.
Vanier is the second player of the week to win back-to-back senior championships (following Karen Darrington a day before).
Vanier, Masingill, and Randal Cross were tied at 146 following the second round of play. Vanier’s front nine featured four birdies en route to a 3-under 33. Masingill (Payette) made the turn at even par, and Jay Sutton (Meridian) entered the conversation with a 1-under start.
As the leaders made their way to the closing stretch at hole 16, Vanier was one up on Masingill after a double-bogey on the 14th hole. Masingill, just off the green on 16, hit his chip with some pace. The ball struck the back of the cup with authority and dropped in for birdie. Vanier couldn’t answer with a birdie of his own and it was all square going into 17.
The dogleg left par-4 #17 spelled trouble for the leaders. Two errant drives found the wetlands to the left. Masingill was forced to lay up after a drop, while Vanier knocked his shot onto the green. Vanier two-putted to take a one shot lead at that point.
On 18, Vanier found the fairway and struck an excellent shot to a safe spot on the wildly sloped green. Masingill’s drive found just enough tall grass to make for a difficult approach. He was able to play out just short of the green, but the next shot from about 20 yards short came to rest far from the pin.
Masingill two-putted for bogey, and Vanier 3-putted for the one stroke victory. You can view the full results from the regular senior division here.
Paul Lodge (Caldwell) cruised to a victory in the Super Senior division with a final round 2-under 70, finishing 12 strokes ahead of 2nd place. Mike Rawls (Eagle) and Greg Tatham (Lewiston) tied for runner-up honors. Click here for full Super Senior results.
Defending Champion Darrington Wins 2018 Idaho Women's Senior Am Title
Karen Darrington
McCALL, Idaho - Karen Darrington is a well-known name around the Idaho golf community, and for good reason. The winner of multiple state championships adds another trophy to her collection with a win at the 2018 Idaho Women’s Senior Amateur at Jug Mountain Ranch in McCall, ID.
Boise’s Darrington started in impressive fashion with an opening round 73 (1-over) in chilly conditions. The front nine included three birdies and four bogeys, but a clean one birdie and one bogey back nine capped the day. Sheryl Scott (Boise) lurked one stroke behind with a 74.
In the final round, Darrington had a less than ideal start, but the competition didn’t fare much better. A back nine reminiscent of the first round would likely seal the championship, and that’s exactly what occurred. Another even par back nine gave Darrington a comfortable victory - three strokes ahead of Scott.
Karen successfully defended her 2017 Women's Senior Amateur title. She is also a six-time winner of the Idaho Women's Amateur and serves on the IGA Board of Directors.
Shawna Ianson (Boise) took home 1st net while Kelly Loeb (Eagle) took home 2nd net.
View full results here.
Higham & Rammell Earn Spots in US Mid-Am
Tanner Higham
The 2018 US Mid-Am qualifier was held at Idaho Falls CC on August 20, 2018
Tanner Higham of Riverton, UT took home the lone qualifying spot in a playoff over Idaho Falls’ Jed Rammell.
On the first playoff hole, Higham made an 8-foot putt for birdie to secure the spot just after Rammell left a 12-foot putt for birdie just short.
Rammell, the first alternate, has since received a spot in the field at the 2018 U.S. Mid-Amateur held at Charlotte Country Club in Charlotte, NC on Sept 21-27.
There was a 5-player tie for the second alternate spot. After 3-holes, Michael Blackham secured the spot over Jason Graff and Dean Park.
Jensen Comes Through Late for Mid-Am Title, Gooding Holds on in Women’s Mid-Am
Matt Jensen celebrates a birdie putt on the 18th hole
McCALL, Idaho – The winner of the 2018 Idaho Mid-Am came from a rather unlikely place. Matt Jensen of Winnemucca, NV shot 73-71-71 (215) to win by 3 strokes over Jason Huff and Gavin Parsons at Jug Mountain Ranch.
Jensen recently moved to his wife’s hometown of Winnemucca from New Hampshire, making the roughly 6-hour drive to play in the Idaho championship for ages 25 and up.
Jensen started the final round at even par, one shot behind Huff (Moscow) and Dan Stewart (Elko, NV). On the front nine two early birdies helped him make the turn at 1-under. Huff and Stewart both played the front 1-over and Jensen took the lead.
The early stages of the back nine belonged to Huff. Two early birdies of his own gave him a 2 shot lead going into the 13th hole. Disaster struck for Huff as he took a double-bogey on 13, at the same time Jensen making birdie. Meanwhile, Stewart has rattled off his 9th consecutive par.
Things were not over for Huff quite yet. Bogeys on 14 and 15 from Jensen opened the door. Huff birdies 16, and suddenly has a two shot lead over Jensen. The two difficult closing holes at Jug Mountain Ranch can often lead to heartache and Sunday’s final round had plenty of that.
Stewart played the course very well all day, but wasn’t able to find the bottom of the cup on any birdie putts. Still, he was very much alive down only one shot going into 17. Jensen owned 17, making birdie while his competitors made bogey.
The final hole provided a ton of drama in McCall. First up, Jensen found the fairway of the tight 435 yard 18th hole. Huff’s tee shot flared left, and he was forced to take hacks out of extremely thick grass to get it back in play. Stewart goes opposite into the wetlands on the right side, now forced to punch out short of the green.
Jensen now had the upper hand. Sticking his approach to around 7 feet, he essentially had the trophy in hand. He proceeded to drop the birdie putt followed by a Tiger-like fist pump, putting the exclamation point on the tournament.
In the Women’s event, Michelle Gooding of Parma, ID held on to her first round lead to best last year’s winner Karen Darrington by one stroke. Gooding went 73-80 (153) to capture the Women’s Mid-Am title.
Michelle Gooding
Idaho Junior State Am: Carter and Reinke Outlast Competition
Drew Reinke & Carly Carter
KUNA, Idaho – The Boys and Girls Idaho Junior Amateur Championships became a tale of two stories at Falcon Crest Golf Club. The Girls division featured a dominating performance and the Boys division was an all-out battle royale with players entering the fray and folding as the minutes ticked past.
Two competitors emerged victorious. Carly Carter led from start to finish, shooting +1 overall to win the 54-hole Idaho Girls’ Junior Amateur by six strokes.
Carter started the day five shots clear of Christine Cho. A rough start to the final round allowed Cho to get within two shots. A birdie on the eighth hole gave Carter a jumpstart to get the round back together; she finished the back nine 1-under for a 74. Cho would finish second.
Drew Reinke was able to bounce back from a difficult final round in brutal heat and wind to win in a playoff over Jake O’Neil. Reinke was +8 overall for the 54-hole event, making birdie on the first playoff hole to secure the Idaho Junior Amateur title.
Reinke also had a rough front nine start, but was able to control the damage from two double-bogeys with three birdies. The birdies didn’t show up on the back nine, though, and his back nine 40 led to a 77.
Tensions were high in the scoring area as players awaited scores from the final pairing. Of those players, Jake O’Neil, was in the clubhouse tied with Reinke at 224. His final round 75 was one of the better final rounds out of the leading groups.
On the first playoff hole both players were within 15 yards of the green off the tee. O’Neil’s chip from the rough landed short and he got up and down for par. Reinke played a low chip shot that wrapped around the edge of the cup, leaving him a short putt to close it out.
Makena Rauch was the winner of the Girls 16-18 division and finished 3rd overall. Lindsey Lloyd came in second.
In the Boys 13-15 division, Taylor Mortensen was able to hold off Joe Gustavel for the win. Mortensen finished at -8 overall, three strokes ahead of Gustavel.
The Diamond Line Players of the Year (season long points race for the Idaho Junior Tour):
Girls 13-15- Carly Carter (Eagle)
Girls 16-18- Makena Rauch (Moscow)
Boys 13-15- Joe Gustavel (Boise)
Boys 16-18- Charles Taylor (Rexburg)
View full results here.
Idaho Junior Am Day 2: Carter in Control
Carly Carter
KUNA, Idaho – If Wednesday’s second round was any indication of what’s to come, then the final round of the 2018 Idaho Junior Amateur is sure to come down to the wire.
Meridian’s Jack Curran remained atop the Boys 16-18 division leaderboard, but a few new faces joined him there. Brayden Ogle (Hayden) and Nick Roberts (Meridian) had solid rounds of 70 and 72 respectively to join Curran at +2 for the tournament. Four others are within 5 shots.
The Girls division didn’t quite have the same parody as the boys. Eagle’s Carly Carter posted an even par 72 to remain the sole leader at -1 overall. Carter continued to drive the ball with accuracy, setting herself up for great birdie opportunities. Girls Jr. America’s Cup teammates Christine Cho and Makena Rauch will join Carter in the final pairing. Cho is +4 overall while Rauch is +9 overall.
The round of the day belonged to Taylor Mortensen of Meridian. He piled up nine birdies on the day en route to a 6-under 66. He leads the Boys 13-15 division by 7 strokes at -8 overall.
The shot of the day went to Cole Jaworski. On the 8th hole at Falcon Crest, Cole struck a shot with 9-iron from 156 yards out that took a couple short hops before spinning right into the cup for a hole-in-one!
The 9-hole players wrapped up their Junior Amateur experience on Wednesday.
The four division winners:
Girls 9-10 – Amanda Nguyen (Spokane, WA)
Girls 11-12 – Chloe Singpraseuth (Meridian)
Boys 9-10 – Justin Anderson (Idaho Falls)
Boys 11-12 – Tyce Helmick (Ontario, OR)
The Diamond Line Player of the Year Awards were announced as well. Points accrued from Idaho Junior Tour events throughout the course of the season decided who would take home the trophies.
Diamond Line Player of the Year:
Girls 9-10 – Eliana Cho (Eagle)
Girls 11-12 – Chloe Singpraseuth (Meridian)
Boys 9-10 – Justin Anderson (Idaho Falls)
Boys 11-12 – Tyce Helmick (Ontario, OR)
View the full leaderboards here:
Idaho Junior Am Day 1: Packebush Packs a Punch
Joe Malay and the winners of his contests held Tuesday night
KUNA, Idaho – Usually as August rolls around the focus of kids around the country turns to the impending school year, but on Tuesday at Falcon Crest Golf Course the focus was narrowed on the first round of the 2018 Idaho Junior Amateur sponsored by Diamond Line Delivery.
The round of the day belonged to Garrett Packebush of Liberty Lake, Wa. His 6-under 66 including 6 birdies and an eagle placed him 4 shots clear of second place in the Boys 13-15 division.
The Boys 16-18 division featured a tie for first between two Treasure Valley players. Meridian’s Tristan Belue and Jack Curran both shot an even par 72 on a long, difficult setup.
Carly Carter, fresh off an appearance at the Girls’ Jr. America’s Cup, topped the leaderboard of the Girls 13-15 division with a 1-under 71. The Girls 16-18 division is led by another Girls Jr. America’s Cup Team Idaho member – Makena Rauch with a 74 (+2).
The 9-hole players (ages 9-12) made a statement, too. Tyce Helmick and Reid Piron have been stalwarts in Boise area Junior Tour competition and continued playing well in the pressure packed season finale. Both boys shot 34 (-2) to lead the Boys 11-12 division.
Tuesday night was capped with games hosted by Joe Malay and a dinner for all players and their families.
Players age 9-18 qualified through Idaho Junior Tour District Tournaments, Top 1000 AJGA or Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings, or District Player of the Year Exemptions. Winners of the Boys & Girls 16-18 divisions claim the Joe Marmo Cup (Boys) or Jackie Gasser Cup (Girls).
View the full leaderboard:
PGA Rocky Mountain Section Retains Carter Cup
PGA team in grey, IGA team in pink
The PGA Rocky Mountain Section retained the Carter Cup with a late comeback over the IGA Amateur team at RedHawk GC in the 2018 edition of the event. The PGA Pros won with 30 1/2 points to the IGA’s 29 1/2.
The Carter Cup is a Ryder Cup style event held every 2 years featuring alternate shot, four-ball, and singles matches.
PGA Team:
Lance Rieber, Jonathan Gibbs, Fred Luthy, Zach Abels, Jim Empey, Ben Bryson, Brett Nagel, Luke Sestero, Brent Fleshman, Fred Sutton
IGA Amateur Team:
Phil Kennedy, Scott Vermeer, Dan Pickens, Gilbert Livas Jr., Justin McAfee, Colby Dean, Brian Swenson, Kenny Walker, Rod Skyles, Henry Bernard, Joe Malay
Idaho Golf Recap: Pacific Coast Am, Jr. America’s Cups
The week of July 23, 2018 was a busy one for some of Idaho’s top golfers. Teams representing Idaho competed against the top talent in the country (and worldwide).
Here’s a brief recap of each event:
PACIFIC COAST AMATEUR
(left to right) Carson Barry, Josh Gliege, Derek Bayley
- The Pacific Coast Amateur Championship is one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur golf championships in North America.
- The Morse Cup is a team competition held concurrently with the Pacific Coast Amateur, held July 24-27 at The Olympic Club in San Francisco.
- 15 member associations comprise the Pacific Coast Golf Association, including 13 from the United States and two from Canada.
- The IGA team was represented by Carson Barry, Derek Bayley, and Josh Gliege
- The IGA finished T-8 for the Morse Cup (held the first two days of competition)
- All 3 players made the 54-hole cut
- Derek Bayley was the IGA’s top individual, finishing at -1 total and notching a Top-20 finish (T16)
- Isaiah Salinda of Stanford University won the tournament, finishing one shot ahead of the competition at -12
- View full results here
- Team IGA bios
BOYS JR. AMERICA’S CUP
(left to right) Caleb Cox, Drew Reinke, Joe Gustavel, Jake Slocum, Zach Martin
- The Boys Jr America’s Cup was held July 22-26 at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in Anaconda, MT
- Team Idaho: Drew Reinke, Jake Slocum, Joe Gustavel, Zach Martin
- The 54-hole stroke play competition features 18 teams comprised of four players from the western United States, Canada, and Mexico
- Team Idaho placed 10th
- Drew Reinke led in scoring for Team Idaho, finishing at -3 for the tournament (T17)
- Team Captain: Caleb Cox
- View full results
GIRLS JR. AMERICA’S CUP
(left to right) Makena Rauch, Carly Carter, Karen Darrington, Christine Cho, Emily Cadwell
- The Girls Jr America’s Cup was held July 23-27 at Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen, CO
- The format is identical to the boys’ competition (see above)
- Team Idaho: Carly Carter, Emily Cadwell, Christine Cho, Makena Rauch
- Team Idaho finished 11th
- Carly Carter led Team Idaho in scoring, finishing 19 for the tournament (T24)
- Team Captain: Karen Darrington
- View full results
Nist Adds Name to Idaho Women’s Amateur Trophy for the Second Time
Haley Nist
BOISE, Idaho – Haley Nist began the final round of the 2018 Idaho Women’s State Amateur with a 3 shot lead, and after an up-and-down final 18 holes at Shadow Valley she walked away the champion.
Nist, soon to be a senior at The University of Colorado-Boulder, did not make any birdies in the second round. She improved on that statistic right out of the gates on Saturday. Birdies on two of the first three holes boosted the lead and alleviated some of the pressure on Nist.
Nist struck the ball with consistency and backed it up with excellent putting on the front nine. Nist hit every fairway, but her iron play separated her from the competition. 7 out of 9 greens in regulation led to some makeable putts, many of which Nist missed by mere centimeters.
At the turn Nist looked to be well in control – the only player in the final pairing under par. The back nine was a different story.
The rough back nine started with a drive landing near the base of a tree on #10. After a punch out, Nist bogeyed the hole. A similar situation on #12 led to another bogey. She was dropping shots, but fortunately for her the closest competition couldn’t apply any pressure.
The competition, 14-year-old Kelli Ann Strand, was excellent off the tee, but struggled to hit greens all day. Strand showed flashes of great play, but ultimately couldn’t find any key putts to fall. She finished with a final round 76.
Nist hit 4 fairways and 6 greens in regulation on the back, but brilliant short range putting kept her lead safe. With a six shot lead heading into the 16th hole, Nist had control over her own destiny.
On the 18th with a four shot lead, Nist calmly hit both fairway and green, and 2-putted for victory. A fitting representation of the steady play that showed up from Nist all week. She finished the tournament 75-74-75 224 (+8), 4 strokes ahead of Strand.
Nist’s name will now appear twice on the trophy. She previously won the event in 2014. “ It’s always nice to get a win in your hometown,” she said after the round. “I had not played a lot of golf recently, but this win should be a good start for me heading into the fall college season.”
The Idaho Women’s State Amateur has been contested since 1934.
View full results here.
Women’s State Am Day 2: Nist Shoots to the Top of the Leaderboard
BOISE, Idaho – Shadow Valley Golf Course got the best of most of the field in the second round of the Idaho Women’s Amateur. Tricky hole locations and stronger winds led to a higher scoring average on Friday. Haley Nist of Meridian, ID shot the low round of the day, a 2-over 74, to take the lead heading into the final round.
Consistency was the key to Nist’s second round. 16 pars and 2 bogeys provided little excitement to the round, but it was enough to get the job done on moving day. Nist says she’d like to make more birdies in the final round, but is content with playing consistent and shying away from big mistakes.
Nist is no stranger to understanding what it takes to win the Women’s Amateur; she won the event in 2014. Nist will be a senior playing for the University of Colorado, Boulder in the fall after transferring from Oregon State.
Tied with Nist for low round of the day was Allison Olberding of Des Moines, Iowa. Olberding plays for the College of William & Mary in Virginia and is currently a USGA PJ Boatwright intern with the Idaho Golf Association. Idaho Junior Tour players and parents may recognize her from her assistance with the program.
Olberding and Kris Fenwick of Boise are 9 shots behind the leader.
Round 1 leader Kelli Ann Strand stumbled in her second round, shooting 80, but lands in the final pairing with Nist and Olberding 3 shots back of the lead.
View full results here.
Women’s State Am Day 1: Strand Proves She Belongs
Kelli Ann Strand
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.
Idaho’s Derek Bayley Qualifies for the US Amateur
Derek Bayley (left)
By the Washington State Golf Association
Pullman, Wash. – Derek Bayley of Rathdrum, Idaho shot rounds of 64-74 to earn medalist honors in leading the field of 50 players who competed today in 36-hole U.S. Amateur Sectional qualifying at the par-72 Palouse Ridge Golf Club in Pullman, Wash.
Along with Bayley, the other player to advance from this qualifier is Chris Hatch of Mukilteo, Wash., who shot rounds of 70-69.
Bayley and Hatch now advance to the 2018 U.S. Amateur Championship, which will be held August 13-19 at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links.
Bayley blistered the morning round in today’s qualifier, firing 11 birdies and making only four pars on his way to an 8-under 64.
Bayley continues his summer of quality golf. Last week he won the Rosauers Open Invitational in Spokane, Wash., competing against the region’s PGA professionals. This is the second time he has won the Rosauers, which is one of the Pacific Northwest Section PGA’s majors, having previously won it in 2016. Earlier this month he made it to the Round of 32 of the PNGA Men’s Amateur.
Last fall Bayley was named the 2017 WSGA Men’s Player of the Year, after finishing second in the Washington State Men’s Amateur and runner-up in the PNGA Men’s Amateur. He is a recent graduate of Washington State University, where he starred all four years on the men’s golf team. Today he competed on the school’s, and his, home course of Palouse Ridge.
In today’s afternoon round, Hatch was 5-under after 12 holes, and had a 1-shot lead over Bayley, but had two bogeys coming in to finish one shot back.
Hatch graduated from Western Washington University in 2017, where he played all four years on the men’s golf team, and was named a GNAC All Star all four years and First Team All-GNAC for three years. He set a GNAC record for 119 rounds played. He played in the inaugural U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship in 2015. Hatch also made it to the Round of 32 at the PNGA Men’s Amateur earlier this month.
The two alternates from this qualifier are Brian Mogg of Issaquah, Wash. (first) and Grant Cole of Pullman, Wash. (second).
The Washington State Golf Association (WSGA) is the local representative of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and conducted this Sectional qualifier for the U.S. Amateur Championship.
U.S. Amateur Sectional Qualifier
Palouse Ridge Golf Club
Pullman, Wash.
7202 Yards, Par 72