LIVE SCORING: British Senior Women’s Amateur Championship
First Round Summary: Stouffer and Eakin in the Lead at Walton Heath
The prestigious British Senior Women’s Amateur Championship kicked off at Walton Heath, where Shelly Stouffer from Canada and Tracy Eakin from Dooks Golf Club each carded impressive rounds of 73 (-1). The firmer, faster conditions on the heathland course placed a premium on precision and strategic play throughout the first day of competition.
Round 1 Leaderboard Overview
Player | Country/Club | To Par | Round 1
Shelly Stouffer | Canada | -1 | 73
Tracy Eakin | Dooks | -1 | 73
Gemma Dooley | Australia | E | 74
Sue Wooster | Australia | E | 74
Heather Keefe | New Zealand | +1 | 75
Debutant Stouffer Excels
Shelly Stouffer demonstrated her prowess in her first appearance at this championship. After an outstanding back nine, she was three under through 14 holes, only to slip slightly with bogeys on 16 and 18 towards the end of her round. Stouffer arrived in England brimming with confidence after a recent victory at the Irish Senior Women’s Open Championship, earning her a position of 531st in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Her résumé also includes the 2022 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur title, along with multiple Canadian Senior and Mid-Amateur championships.
Reflecting on her experience with heathland golf, Stouffer commented, “Where I play on Vancouver Island it can be dry but not so much like this and we don’t have any heather. This is my first time playing this sort of golf and I’ve learned I need to keep out of the heather, keep it in play and go from there. I hit a low ball so this type of golf suits me. I’m really looking forward to the next three days.”
Eakin’s Dramatic Performance
Tracy Eakin’s performance was filled with ups and downs. After struggling at two over through 14 holes, she turned the tide with a birdie on the 15th and an eagle on the 16th, propelling her into a tie for the lead. Her score showcased the risks and rewards inherent in playing at Walton Heath, setting the stage for an engaging second day.
Noteworthy Competitors and Tournament Cut Information
Gemma Dooley and Sue Wooster from Australia closely trail the leaders, both finishing at even par with rounds of 74. England’s Jackie Foster, the reigning champion from Woodhall Spa, found herself five strokes behind with a score of 78. The tournament cut will be noteworthy as only the top 30 players and ties will advance after the second round, with an additional cut after 54 holes narrowing the field to the top 20 and ties for the final round.
For live scoring updates, click here.
ABOUT THE
British Women’s Senior
The R&A Women’s Senior Amateur Championship has been held annually since its inception in 1981. It is open to players aged 50 and over. The winner is determined by the lowest 54-hole total over four rounds of stroke play. After 36 holes, the players with the 40 lowest scores, along with any ties for 40th place, qualify for the final 18 holes.
For complete tournament details, click here.
