Lauren Walsh hits the front in Sunshine State Amateur
Lauren Walsh. Picture by Pat Cashman
Castlewarden’s Lauren Walsh is chasing her second US win in the space of five weeks after grabbing a share of the lead heading into the final round of the Women's Sunshine State Amateur in Florida.
Just 36 days after winning her maiden US title—the Griffin Women's Amateur by five strokes at Grandover Resort in North Carolina—the Wake Forest star (20) followed a three-over 75 with a best-of-the-day 69 to share the lead with England’s Euphemie Rhodes (72-72) on level par.
The European duo lead by two strokes from Canada’s Sarah-Eve Rheaume and by four from American trio Bobbi Stricker, Kary Hollenbaugh and Alyssa Lamoureux at Las Colinas Golf Course at Mission Inn Golf & Resort.
Ranked 44th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking following a stellar start to her collegiate career, Kildare native Walsh birdied the fifth to turn in one under, then picked up further shots at the 10th, 12th and 13th before dropping her only shot of the day at the 16th.
The cut for the top 22 and ties fell at nine-over but Douglas’ Sara Byrne missed out on 162 after rounds of 78 and 84.
Scores, Sunshine State Amateur 2020, Las Colinas Golf Course at Mission Inn Golf & Resort
