The 72nd MWGA Women's Amateur Championship was held at Lake Forest Country Club in Lake St. Louis during July 12-14th. The Amateur Championship's course was 5911 yards, par 72. With her last win in 2003, Ellen Port of St. Louis finally managed to reach her goal of taking home the Missouri Amateur trophy for a record tying seventh time. Going into the third round, Ellen was tied with last year's runner up Alisha Matthews of St. Louis. Alisha's birdie on the first hole gave her a quick lead, but a triple bogey led to a four stroke deficit at the turn. Ellen kept her cool in the 98 degree weather, making mostly pars on the back with one birdie and one bogey to finish one over for the day and six over for the championship. Katrina Choate of Drury University had started her final round just one shot behind the leaders and her steady play helped her take home the Cassett Trophy for Amateur Runner Up. Alisha came in third, sharing medalist honors with Port with a two day total of 149. Columbia's Mindy Coyle finished fourth and junior Morgan Lamberson of Marshall not only finished in the top five at fifth place, but also took home the Ludlow Low Junior trophy.
The companion event - The Mid Missouri Tournament - was played at 5388 yards, par 72. There was a tight race going into the third round with Louwanna Bloom of Four Seasons leading by one shot over Becky Serri of O'Fallon and Brenda Lammers of Lake St. Louis. It was a test of perseverance in the 98 degree heat index conditions and tough target golf. Lammers' score of 81 proved she was tough in the heat, as she finished 10 shots ahead to take home the Mid Missouri Tournament crystal. Diane Fowler of New Madrid finished second in her first Mid Missouri Tournament. Flight B was won by Jordan Wolf of St. Charles, Flight C was Megan Busulaki of St. Louis and D flight's winner was Julia McEwen of St. Charles.
The MWGA Annual Banquet was held after round two in Lake Forest’s dining room, where beef tenderloin and a delightful crème brulee were enjoyed by the attendees. Special guests included Lake Forest Country Club President Mr. Desmond Hilton and his wife Barbara who accepted a framed MWGA flag in appreciation for hosting the Amateur Championship. Many thanks were given to Scott Winn, General Manager, Mr. Fred Friedman, Head Golf Professional and his staff, and Matt Seiffert, course superintendent for their hard work during the championship. Local Tournament Coordinator, Sue Lowney introduced her chairpersons and volunteers and received a big round of applause for their tireless work during the year in making plans for the championship. Local Chairwomen included Karen Bryner (Registration), Betty Warren and Judy Proctor (Spotters), Barb Hilton (scoring runners), Ronnie Berg (Rules), and Tina Rause (Social). Many thanks to all who volunteers their time to support this championship!
Medalist pins were awarded to Ellen Port and Alisha Matthews for their two day combined total score of 149. Lynette Chrenka of St. Louis and Stephany Powell of Springfield were also acknowledged for their combined seven runner up finishes over 33 years of play in the Amateur Championship.
A highlight of the evening included MWGA Scholarship Director Jean Butterfield's presentation of the 2010 Scholarship Recipients and presented bouquets of flowers to each as they were acknowledged for their golf and scholastic accomplishments.
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