Concord’s Sophie Yip was left a little disappointed, but certainly not down after finishing three shots adrift of the two round cut at the US Women’s Amateur at the Golf Club of Tennessee.
The 14-year-old carded a five over par 76 to go with her first round 72, finishing in 90th place.
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Yip battled all day, but was unable to convert chances into birdies when it mattered.
“I managed to sink a few clutch putts, but none of my birdie putts would drop.
”I didn’t play that bad today,” Yip said.
The whole week, however, was an experience edged in gold for the young talent, and one she will build upon as her game develops.
“It’s hard to compete against some of these women especially when they hit it 30 to 40 metres past me.
“I know what I need to work on to take myself to the next level now, I have to get stronger.
“Dad told me to start eating and exercise more,” she laughed.
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Yip makes solid start at US Women's AM
Two soft bogeys to finish her opening round at the US Women’s Amateur haven’t disappointed Concords’ Sophie Yip.
The 14-year-old, playing in her first major Amateur Championship, is in a tie for 61st position following a one over par 72 at The Golf Club of Tennessee.
After beginning her day on the 10th at 7.33 am, Yip got away slowly with bogies on the 12th and 13th. She bounced back, however with a birdie on the 14th and another on the 16th to turn in even par.
Despite the mercury nudging 38 degrees in the middle of her round, Yip remained composed, and when she rolled a birdie putt in on the 7th (her 16th hole) the diminutive NSW representative in red figures.
Sadly, back-to-back bogeys on the 8th and 9th wasn’t the way the pint sized dynamo wanted to finish her round.
“I was just a little unlucky at the end,” Yip said about the result of her day’s work. “I still think I did pretty good though.”
The Golf Club of Tennessee is a demanding layout at just over 5760 metres for the women, and Yip said the length is challenging for her.
“The course is a bit long for me. I’m using my five hybrid and three wood to approach half the greens here.
Yip has also been enjoying the delights of the players' lounge over the last few days, with the USGA ensuring that the women aren’t left wanting for sweets and ice cream throughout the tournament.
“Yeah, the ice cream is good,” She smiled.
Victorian Stephanie Bunque, the other Australian in the field, carded an even par 71 to sit in a tie for 48th.
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