Lauren Greenlief Secures Fifth Trip to U.S. Women’s Mid-Am Quarterfinals

 And then there were two.

In a week that started with ten U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur champions in the 132-player field, all of whom made it to match play, there are two remaining as the 36th iteration of the championship heads into its quarterfinals.

Highlighted by the third champion vs. champion match up in as many rounds, the Round of 16 featured a heavyweight battle as 2015 champion Lauren Greenlief defeated 2021 champion Blakesly Brock to earn a spot in the final eight. It was the second champion Greenlief took out already this week, beating 2002 champion Kathy Hartwiger in the Round of 64. The 2018 champion Shannon Johnson defeated two-time champion Julia Potter-Bobb in the Round of 64 as well.  

“It’s always tough playing a friend because you don’t want to see anyone lose the match and you want to see great golf,” said Greenlief. “But I got up in the match first, and was up the whole time, or even, so I was pretty comfortable and that allowed me to hit good shots.” 

Greenlief, playing in her seventh Mid-Am, secured a spot in the quarterfinals for the fifth time. What started as a tightly contested match, with ties on each of the first five holes, was broken open more and more by Greenlief as the round went on. The 32-year-old out of Ashburn, Va., secured the first two birdies for either player of the match on the 6th and 7th holes, opening a 2-up advantage. When Brock won the 9th hole with a par, cutting the deficit to just 1, Greenlief answered back immediately, winning the next hole as well as the 14th hole to expand her lead to 3, eventually winning 4 and 2. Earlier in the day, she defeated Mid-Am veteran Katie Miller, 3 and 2. 

“I played consistently all day,” said Greenlief. “I had a couple pressure scenarios that I worked through. It was an interesting day playing two of my four-ball partners. Katie, I’ve played a bunch of U.S. Four-Balls with, and Blakesly and I played the [76th Women’s] International Four-Ball together this February, so it was a battle of the four-ball partners today.” 

In her three matches thus far, Greenlief has yet to see the 17th nor 18th holes. Next up, she will face co-medalist Jackie Rogowicz of nearby Yardley, Pa., who is the last remaining Pennsylvanian left in the field. Eleven started the week, with three advancing to the Round of 16. Rogowicz defeated Catherine McEvoy, 6 and 5, on Tuesday afternoon.  

“I’m pretty pleased with the way I’m playing,” said Rogowicz. “I mentioned it yesterday, but I feel like I’m putting well, and that continued today. It’s a nice feeling to have in one of these events. I didn’t make a bogey so that helped.” 

Joining Greenlief as a champion in the quarterfinals is 2017 winner Kelsey Chugg, who won a tight match against Katrin Wolfe, 1 up. Chugg took the lead with a par on the first hole and never looked back, leading the entire way. She is looking to become the first two-time winner since her frequent U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball partner Potter-Bobb accomplished the feat in 2016.  

What's Next 

The quarterfinals will begin Wednesday at 8 a.m. ET, followed immediately by the two semifinal matches. The 18-hole final is scheduled for Thursday morning. 

Notable

Kimberly Dinh, 31, of Midland, Mich., is the only 2022 quarterfinalist to return to the final eight. Last year, she lost to eventual champion Krissy Carman 4 and 3 in the quarterfinal round.

Judith Kyrinis, 59, is looking to become the oldest winner of the championship. Joan Higgins, 52, currently has that distinction after winning the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur in 2008. Kyrinis, of Canada, knocked out 2022 semifinalist Isabella Dilisio, 1 up, in the Round of 16.

Lauren Greenlief will celebrate her 33rd birthday tomorrow, Sept. 13. 

Taryn Walker, 37, of Prospect, Ky., defeated Lauren Gebauer, 2 and 1, for a spot in the quarterfinals. Walker is competing in her first U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur and first USGA championship since qualifying for the 2007 U.S. Women's Open at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club.

Aliea Clark’s Round of 32 loss represented the first time in her three championship appearances that she did not reach the final match. Her match play record in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur is 11-3.

All quarterfinalists are exempt into the 2024 championship, which will take place at Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton, Mass.  

Quotable 

“I hit my second shot down to the right of the green and then hit a really nice flop shot to a foot. That hole’s been giving me some trouble this week, so to get a birdie there felt really good.” - Lauren Greenlief on her birdie on the 7th hole 

“It’s kind of crazy. I never expected this whatsoever. Obviously having a strong season, but coming in here you’re just trying to get some reps for the Senior Amateur, so it’s great.” - Judith Kyrinis on making the quarterfinals as a 59-year-old 

“It’s just fun that when you’re 59 [years old] and you can compete against a player who is 26. We had a great time out there, she’s lovely, and we really enjoyed our match. That’s what golf is all about, especially at the amateur level.” - Kyrinis on her match against Isabella Dilisio 

“Even though I had a bit of a cushion I still never feel like I’m safe or have it in the bag. Maybe that’s a good mindset to have.” - Jackie Rogowicz on not losing a hole in her Round of 16 match 

“You can tell it’s drying out a little bit and getting a little more roll this afternoon than in the morning. I’m not the longest hitter so it’s nice to have a shorter club in. The greens are still pretty receptive, so you don’t have to be too cautious, and you can be a little more aggressive.” - Kimberly Dinh on the course conditions