Sarah Gallagher Claims Victory at U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship
In a thrilling finale at the 61st U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, Sarah Gallagher emerged as the victor after a tense match against Brenda Corrie Kuehn. This prestigious golf tournament took place at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, with 36 holes of stroke play followed by six rounds of match play spread out over four days.
Gallagher, a former sixth-grade social studies teacher turned financial planner, faced off against Kuehn, a seasoned competitor who has participated in over 45 USGA championships, including nine U.S. Women’s Opens. Despite being a first-time participant in the Senior Am, Gallagher showcased her skills and determination throughout the competition.
The final match saw an exciting battle between the two golfers. They tied the first hole, but Gallagher then proceeded to birdie the next four holes, establishing a commanding 4-up lead. With a crowd of around 70 people following their every move, Kuehn birdied the ninth hole to reduce the deficit to 3 up. However, Gallagher quickly regained her 4-up lead by birdying the 12th hole.
The tension escalated as Kuehn fought back to narrow the gap. She birdied the par-3 13th to make it a 3-up lead for Gallagher, and then won the 14th hole with a par, reducing the deficit to just 2 up. However, Gallagher showed her resilience by birdying the 113-yard par-3 15th, extending her lead to 3 up with only three holes remaining. Kuehn refused to back down, grabbing a crucial win on the 16th hole with a par. She continued her comeback on the par-5 17th, clinching a birdie and narrowing the margin to just 1 up.
The tension peaked on the 18th and final hole. Gallagher encountered some trouble as she hit her second shot over the green, followed by a misjudged chip. Kuehn, on the other hand, managed to land her second shot on the front of the green but faced a challenging long putt across the entire green. To everyone’s surprise, Kuehn three-putted for a bogey, leaving the door open for Gallagher. In a display of composure, she calmly sank her bogey putt to secure the victory.
Over the course of 103 holes of match play, Gallagher only trailed on three holes, demonstrating her consistent performance and strong mental game. Reflecting on the match, she acknowledged Kuehn’s incredible competitiveness and knew she had to stay patient to secure the win.
By reaching the final, both Kuehn and Gallagher secured coveted spots in future USGA events, including the U.S. Women’s Amateur and the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur. This victory not only brings Gallagher personal triumph but also opens doors to further competitions and opportunities in the world of women’s amateur golf.
Throughout the week at Troon Country Club, there were several noteworthy moments. Sarah LeBrun Ingram set a tournament record by winning consecutive matches in just 24 holes. Linda Jeffery also had a memorable incident with a hole-in-one, although it didn’t count as an official ace due to the unique green layout at Troon Country Club. Additionally, Kathy Hartwiger’s impressive 39-foot putt highlighted the largest margin of victory in the Senior Women’s Amateur championship history.
The U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship also had its share of surprises, with defending champion Shelly Stouffer being eliminated in the Round of 32. This tournament has historically seen few golfers successfully defend their titles, highlighting the fierce competition year after year. Lara Tennant emerged as the solo medalist after the stroke play rounds, demonstrating her consistency and skill.
As the dust settles on the 61st U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, Sarah Gallagher stands tall as the victor. Her remarkable performance and determination have solidified her place among the elite women golfers in the senior amateur category. The trophy, nicknamed Big Bertha, will find a special place in Gallagher’s home, serving as a reminder of her hard-fought triumph on the challenging fairways of Troon Country Club.
