Mattapoisett, MA - The AGA Women’s Amateur Championship, a celebration of diversity and talent, teed off today at The Bay Club in Mattapoisett, MA. The elite field of female amateur golfers, hailing from 26 states and three countries, have converged in Massachusetts to compete for the AGA title. Among them is Lauren Greenlief, a three-time champion of this event and a US Women’s Mid-Amateur Champion, along with three other US Women’s Mid-Am Champions: Julia Potter-Bobb (2013/2016), Shannon Johnson (2018), and Ina Kim-Schaad (2019) in the Championship division.
The Senior Division is a who's who in the senior golf world, including two three-time US Senior Women’s Amateur Champions, Lara Tennant and Ellen Port. The field also includes Anna Schultz, the 2007 US Senior Women’s champion, and Judith Kyrinis, who hoisted the trophy in 2017. Now playing in the senior division, but past champions of the US Mid-Am include Ellen Port (1996/2000), Kathy Hartwiger (2002), and Martha Leach (2009).
The Bay Club, a formidable battleground, provided a stern test for the players with cool temperatures and a breezy day for round one. In the Championship division, Jackie Rogowicz and defending champion Lauren Greenlief lead the field at even par 71 over the nearly 6400-yard layout. Kelsey Chugg and Amanda Jacobs sit just one shot back at one over, with Allison Gonring and Julia Potter-Bobb at plus two (73). Ina Kim-Schaad is at plus three and sits within three of the leaders, adding to the thrill and suspense of the tournament.
In the Senior Division, local favorite Tara Joy-Connelly shot the lone red number of the day, posting a two under 69. Joy-Connelly posted three birdies and a lone bogey on the 18th hole. Shelly Haywood and Andrea Miller posted two over 73’s. Four players sit at three over par, including Ellen Port, Susan West, Therese Quinn, and Bostonian Jayne Pardus. Another group of four players managed rounds of 75.
Round two commences tomorrow, with tee times starting at 8:00 A.M. with the final round on Wednesday.
About Amateur Golf Alliance: The Concession Cup Match was initially designed to bring top mid-amateurs and seniors across the USA and GB&I to compete in a Ryder Cup-style event. The 2022 version of the Matches saw the expansion of the GB&I team to now include players from continental Europe. When played in 2024, the match will consist of a woman’s side.
The “AGA” 's other mission was to support and promote the amateur game via competitions, provide amateur golfers throughout the globe with more opportunities to compete at national and international events, and fund research and initiatives that will enhance the landscape of competitive amateur golf. Anera Sports manages the AGA out of its office in Dallas, TX.
- AGA STAFF