Kim-Schaad and Grainger Go Wire-to-Wire at Women’s Am and Mid-Am
SKANEATELES, N.Y. – Ina Kim-Schaad prevailed at the 94th NYS Women’s Amateur Championship, turning in a three over tournament to win by five strokes.
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Kim-Schaad, 40, from Deepdale Golf Club jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur Champion at Forest Highlands carded an opening 66 (-5), which set a women’s course record at Skaneateles Country Club.
She turned in rounds of 74 and 76 on Day 2 to close out the tournament at three over par and hoist her first Oak Hill Cup.
“I turned 40 last year, so this is extra special for me,” said Kim-Schaad, reflecting on her performance. “I still don’t really believe it.”
For the first time in tournament history, the win at Skaneateles came with an exemption to the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, which will be hosted at Southern Hills Country Club August 5-11.
“I’m pretty pumped to go down to Southern Hills,” Kim-Schaad said. “To be able to play with the best amateur girls is going to be amazing. I’m going to be in awe all week, and have fun while I’m at it.”
Jordan Levitt of MGA eClub - NYC finished as the runner-up to Kim-Schaad and also secured low junior honors. The 2023 NYS Junior Girls’ Amateur Champion and 2024 runner-up went 73-75-73 to wrap up her first appearance at a Women’s Amateur at eight over par.
Olivia Deakins of Ardsley Country Club turned in a 74-76-78 (+15) tournament to round out the podium in solo third.
Julia Zigrossi of Ridgemont Country Club and the 2021 NYS Junior Girls’ Amateur Champion came in behind Deakins at 18 over. Kaitlynn Smith of Rip Van Winkle Country Club finished in fifth place with a total score of 233 (+20).
Others who finished in the top 10 this year included Isabella Salerno of Westchester CC, Sophia Nogalo of Hollow Brook GC and Hayden Knapp of Glens Falls CC who each shot 234. Daniella Sutor of Met PGA Junior GC, Sienna Wheeler of Pinehaven GC and Claire Yioulos of Oak Hill CC all finished at 235. Yioulos began her final round with a hole-in-one on the par-3 opening hole at Skaneateles, that played to 148 yards.
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Natalie Grainger of the Apawamis Club took home the 15th NYS Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship in her inaugural appearance.
The 47-year-old and former touring squash professional finished with a seven over par 149. Like Kim-Schaad, Grainger concluded play five strokes clear of the field. Grainger saved her best for last, playing her final four holes of the tournament at one-under par and cruising into the clubhouse with a comfortable lead. Grainger went 74-75 to capture her first New York State title at Skaneateles.
Grainger bested two of New York State’s most decorated Mid-Amateurs in Christy Schultz of Oak Hill Country Club and Lauren Cupp of Yahnundasis Golf Club. Schultz and Cupp, who have a combined 11 New York State titles between them, finished as the co-runner ups at 12 over par.
2023 champion Samantha Schuffenecker of Shaker Ridge Country Club turned in another solid performance, going 77-78 to polish off her tournament in solo fourth at 13 over. Kim Kaul of East Aurora Country Club, herself a decorated NYS amateur player, rounded out the top 5 with a 14 over effort.
