NEWS
Eyes of the Golfing World on N.C.
A Carolinas’ Golf Association representative congratulates winner Kayla Smith on the 18th green.
If you are reading this based on seeing the headline, you probably thought this article was going to be about the Men’s U.S. Open that started Thursday. And yes, the best of the best male golfers are teeing it up at Pinehurst #2 throughout the rest of the weekend.
But, that’s not what this article is about. It is actually a short piece about the 75th Carolinas Golf Association Women’s Amateur Championship. The tournament was held this week at the Mooresville Golf Club. The par 72 course was set up to play at 6,217 yards. The Championship was 54 holes of stroke play.
Smith after sinking her putt on the 54th hole in the 2024 Championship.
Forty-six players teed off on Tuesday, and forty-three finished all three rounds. There were no cuts, but three players withdrew. Requirements for play were as follows:
- 13 years old and older
- Legal resident of North Carolina
- Must have a valid USGA Handicap at a CGA member club
While there were exceptions, the majority of golfers were current collegiate golfers. One or two of those exceptions were local high school students.
The winner of the tournament was Kayla Smith, who just graduated from UNC Chapel Hill. Originally from Burlington, she was a five year player at UNC. She earned a variety of accolades throughout her collegiate career.
With the win, Smith earns an exemption to the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship that will be held at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma from August 5-11.
So, be on the lookout for when sports tournaments of this type take place near you. It’s one thing to watch these terrific athletes on TV or your favorite mobile device, it’s another to see them in person.
Smith staring down a putt on the 17th on Wednesday.
Smith’s tee shot on #18 on Wednesday.