(26 July – Concord, New Hampshire)
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South Korea Misun Cho has won by one shot from Kentuckian Whitney Wade at the $90,000 USI Championship. With rounds of 68,68,70 10 under par 206, a weekend of rain delays and suspended play Cho also claimed her second Tour Victory. Wade held a three stroke lead over the field midway through the round but Cho who birded on the 1st, 9th and 15th made some ground up the leaderboard when Wade had dropped three shots. “When I three putted, she was at 12 under par,” recalls Cho. “Then I saw where she dropped three shots, and I knew I had to make a birdie. I try to keep and eye on the leader board because I’s rather know than not know. I’d hate to find out afterward that it was just a one putt difference.”
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rnThe staff at the Beaver Meadow Golf Course, site of this week’s tournament, created a shrine to previous winners on the 16th green. Plants with signage depicting past title holders mark the spot, with one plant remaining, ready for this year’s winner. “I love it” said Cho, whose name will now join the other winners. “It’s nice to have that left behind. Hopefully, I’ll move on to the LPGA next year, and it will be a reminder that this Tour really is a developmental tour. Compared to last year, I’ve improved so much. I’ve learned how to play professional golf”
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rnWestern Australia’s Kristie Smith tied for 40th with rounds of 73,70,73 even par 216, while Rachel Bailey and Priscilla Duffied missed the cut.