Recap: Portland Classic Amateur Open
Every year, the Portland Classic offers an opportunity for amateurs to qualify. Yesterday, I played in the Amateur Open, a one-day, 18-hole qualifier at Langdon Farms Golf Club in Canby, Oregon. The winner of this tournament automatically qualifies for the tournament, while the second, third and fourth-place finishers earn a spot at the Monday qualifier round on September 12.
I have played in this tournament twice and while I have never won it, I have earned a spot in the Monday qualifier both times. A Monday qualifier is an opportunity LPGA tournaments offer for professionals who have not previously qualified – an 18-hole round to get into the tournanent. Offering amateurs a chance to qualify isn’t that common and is a great opportunity. The first year in the Monday qualifier, I shot a 69 and was in a playoff for one of two spots in the Portland Classic field. I wasn’t successful securing a spot, but the second time, I shot 68 and tied with Yealimi Noh, who had just turned professional; and we both earned spots. I was excited to try for again this year.
I had the last tee time and was playing with Lauryn Nguyen and Chloe Kovelesky. Lauryn and I played each other earlier this year in the PNGA Women’s Amateur at Salishan on the Oregon Coast. Chloe is a 15 year old phenom from Florida who qualified as a 14 year old for the 2021 US Women’s Open. Three of my former teammates from Oregon State were also in the field, Chayse Gomez, Kelsey Webster and Madde Sund. Sean Kato, a friend who plays on the Oregon State men’s team, was caddying for me. My mom, and my grandparents were there to support me as well.
The day was sunny and beautiful, and Langdon Farms was in great shape. I played well through my first several holes and made birdie on 4, 8 and 9. I had an unfortunate bogey on 6 after missing the green on my tee shot. We made the turn. My approach on 10 went left and I was in a dirt/grass patch just off the green. The chip shot went long, but stayed on the green and I made the 40 footer to save par. I had a little more trouble on 12 and 16 where I made bogey, and was even heading into the par 5 18th hole. I didn’t know what the leader was at, but both Chloe and Lauryn were playing really well and I told Sean I was going to go for the green in two. My 3-wood got just on the front of the green and I had about 18 feet for eagle. I made the putt and finished 2 under. Chloe also eagled the hole and took the win with a score of 5 under. Lauryn finished 3 under. Lauryn and I will have the opportunity to play in the Monday Qualifier along with Alison Takamiya, who won in a 5 for 1 playoff for the final spot.
If I play well enough at the Monday qualifier to secure a spot, it will be my third time playing in the Portland Classic. I received a sponsor’s exemption last year when it was played at Oregon Golf Club.
Tomorrow, I am moving to San Diego! I’ll post an update after I get settled!
