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THENDARA, N.Y. -- Kim Kaul (Gowanda CC) continued her stellar play this summer matching par (73) to win the 63rd New York State Women’s Senior Amateur Championship.

Kaul previously took home the Anne Coupe Memorial Trophy back in ‘08 at Holiday Valley CC. 

Earlier this summer at the N.Y.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, Kaul finished as the runner-up with a total of 234 (78-79-77).

In the final group, playing alongside Kaul, were the eventual runner-up finishers Tammy Blyth (Monroe GC) and Jan Lavigne (Ravenwood GC). Lavigne, who won the title back in ’07, began the final round with a one stroke advantage over Kaul after posting a first round 76. Carina Watkins (Beaver Meadows GC), the 2011 champion, finished today tied for fourth at 15-over 161.

Kaul took advantage of her long distance, compiling four of her eight total birdies on par fives over the course of two days. She pulled away from the group early on the second day and kept out of trouble besides for a streak of bogeys on holes three, five and six. “I really had to get my mental focus back," said Kaul. "I really tried to concentrate…I told myself, I don’t need to give this away.”

A few weeks ago, Kaul played with Lavigne and Blyth at the Women’s Golf Association of Western NY Championship. She won that title at Stafford CC in a similar fashion.

Kaul was unable to play in last years’ state senior championship, as she was battling a knee injury. Looking forward, she will be attempting to qualify for the 2015 U.S Women’s Senior Open on August 27th at Edgewood CC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Cecily Havens (Pompey Club) was victorious despite formidable competition to claim the 9th New York State Women’s Super Senior Championship, totaling 9-over at 155 to win in Wednesday’s final round at picturesque Thendara Golf Club.

Havens won by a two stroke margin. The runner-up was three time champion Sandra Wood who finished at 11-over 157 and posted a tournament low round of 76 in her attempt to claim her fourth title.

After an approach shot on her ninth hole (#18) that was a little longer than her liking, Havens rolled in an 8-footer for birdie. On the following hole, she left her drive just on the front fringe of the green about 15 feet from the cup and proceeded to knock down the putt for an eagle that proved to be the difference later on. “It was definitely a big booster," said Havens. 

Havens bogeyed holes three, four, five and a tough bunker situation on hole six lead to a double-bogey that lightened her lead. “For the next few holes, it was hard to keep swinging in rhythm" said Havens. “I just had to accept it and say hey, we all have our bad holes and move on.” She regained rhythm and posted pars on the last three holes to seal the victory.

There have only been four other champions to claim victory in the Super Senior. Gail Brophy (22-over 168) and Sharyn Costello (13-over 159) both won back to back titles in 2007-08 and 2012-13, consecutively. Sandra Wood successfully defended the title twice on a three year winning tare from 2009-11 while Michelle Marquis (17-over 159) won her first title last year at Kanon Valley CC.

Havens knew there were plenty of excellent players in the field. “I just had to go out and play my game. These were the best two rounds I’ve played all year.”

To view final results from the Women’s Senior Amateur, click here. To view final results from the Women’s Super Senior Amateur, click here.

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Dan Thompson, NYSGA Intern