For the first time since 2019, there is a new golfer in the winner’s circle at the SCGA Senior Amateur championship.
After advancing as far as the quarterfinal matches at the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur three weeks ago in Alaska, Sherry Wright claimed first place at South Hills CC this week playing amongst Southern California’s top senior women amateur golfers.
This marks Wright’s first SCGA title, knocking off four-time Senior Amateur champion Kathy Kurata in the process. Though the five-stroke victory was not as easy as the scorecard makes it sound.
Wright established herself near the top of a bunched leaderboard early with an opening four-over 76. Only Cindy McConnell, the overnight clubhouse leader, shot lower (75).
Wright’s one-over on the front-nine to open her second round proved to be her best golf of the tournament. At that point, she became the solo leader at five-over, while the rest of the field started to approach double-digits. Wright continued her consistent play from there, posting just two more bogeys to eventually finish at seven-over and comfortably win the title.
“This is definitely a confidence booster,” Wright said after her win.
Kurata and Shelly Haywood tied for second place at 12-over. Monica Ledes and Akemi Nakata Khaiat (+14) rounded out the top five.
Up next for Wright is the U.S. Senior Women’s Open next week, where she’ll be making her second appearance.