Australian Sue Wooster survived a great day for the top seeds at the US Senior Women’s Amateur today – but only just.
The Victorian, seeded No.5 after stroke play qualifying in Florida earlier this week, never led at any stage of regulation play against Alabama’s Susan West.
But the National Golf Club member put her nose in front when it counted most, with a win on the first extra hole enough to secure her progress to the Round of 32.
West, of Tuscaloosa, four times went 1-up during a tense match at Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club.
But Wooster, the dual Canadian Senior champion, didn’t panic at any stage.
And when the 56-year-old calmly parred the short par-four 19th hole, her persistence was rewarded by West’s bogey.
Wooster next faces Texan Kelley Nittoli, the No.28 seed who was a 3&2 winner after winning six holes in succession over Mexico’s Mina Hardin in their opening round match.
The top seven seeds were all victorious with the most stress falling on reigning champion Judith Kyrinis, of Canada, who prevailed on the 22nd hole with a 5m birdie putt to finally see off Andrea Kraus.
The biggest upsets were produced by Lea Anne Brown and Julie Harrison, the 56 and 57 seeds, respectively. Brown defeated No.9 seed and 2009 US Women’s Mid-Amateur champion Martha Leach 3&2.
Harrison, in the biggest upset of the day, defeated 2005 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur champion Mary Ann Hayward, 1-up.
The Round of 32 and Round of 16 will be played tomorrow.