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Connelly Captures Women's Mid-Amateur

May 3, 2015

Much like her start in last year’s championship, Connelly fired a one-over par 73 on Saturday, giving her a one shot lead over Winter Garden’s Sarah Matin and a two shot lead over Natalie McNicholas of Naples. Connelly, of Palm Beach Gardens, who started round one on the par 5 tenth hole, began her round with three consistent pars followed by birdies on 13 and 15, followed by two more birdies on her back nine. Connelly finished round one three shots ahead of Charlotte Daughan, champion of the 2015 Women’s International Four-Ball, and Lynda Case who tied for fourth place.

Round two started hot for Connelly, who posted three birdies on holes two, eight, and nine to take her two-under par heading into the tenth hole. Connelly never let the lead out of sight and with one birdie on her final nine holes on the par 4, 17th hole, finished 34-37—71. Her two-day total of 73-71—144, vaulted her to a three-stroke victory. Matin, who started the day tied for second, tied Charlotte Daughan for third place. Kimberly Benedict, of Bonita Springs, fought back from a first round 77 with a second round two-under par 70. Benedict jumped from tied for sixth place to second place with a 77-70—147. Mary Jane Hiestand, 2014 Senior Player of the Year, finished alone in fifth place after shooting 72 on Sunday, ten strokes less than round one.  

Elise Gordon and Debbie MookSang led the Middle division after round one with eight-over par 80s, while Jan DeMarco led the Forward division with a first round 81. The leaderboard made a change after round two in the Middle division. Gilda Perez, of Orlando, fired even par in the second round to move into first place with a tournament total 153. MookSang, of Valrico, fell to third place and Gordon struggled in round two finishing in sixth place. Kiely Allen, of Belleair, finished second with rounds of 83-78—161. Unlike the Middle division, the Forward division’s leaderboard did not change much from round one. After round two, Jan DeMarco, of Ormond Beach, held onto her lead and finished the tournament with a four shot victory. Kay Waltman, of Pinecrest, remained in second place with scores of 83-91—174.  

The Mid-Amateur Championship marks Connelly’s first individual FSGA win. She has won the International Four-Ball twice. What’s next for Connelly?  In two days she heads up to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, host of the inaugural U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball, hoping to capture the title with partner Mary Jane Hiestand. Reflecting on her win, Connelly stated, “This was a great tune up for the U.S. Four-Ball at Bandon Dunes next weekend. Being able to get a few tournament rounds in, especially in the windy conditions we had, is a great start”.

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