Championship website | Scoring | Preview | Record book: Senior | Super Senior
Dates: Monday, August 5 - Friday, August 9 (Super Senior: August 5-8)
Format: Senior: One round of stroke-play qualifying for the championship flight, with the top 16 players advancing to championship flight match play. All others placed in consolation flights. Round of 16 on Tuesday, quarterfinals on Wednesday, semifinals on Thursday, 18-hole championship match on Friday. Super Senior: One round of stroke-play qualifying for the championship flight, with the top eight players advancing to championship flight match play. All others placed in consolation flights. quarterfinals on Tuesday, semifinals on Wednesday, 18-hole championship match on Thursday.
Host site: The Omni Homestead Resort, Old Course
Day 4: New champs emerge on rainy, windy final day
By Chris Lang
HOT SPRINGS -- Though the Virginia State Golf Association's Senior and Super Senior Women's Amateur championships are unique in their own ways, there was one tie that bound them this week at The Omni Homestead Resort's Old Course: New blood emerged in their respective winners' circles, and that new blood came about directly as a result of the players who have dominated their divisions over the past several years.
As Senior Women's Amateur champion Kristin Shifflett spoke after defeating four-time champion Andrea Miller 4 and 3 in the afternoon, she said, "You've made me a better player," adding, "I not sure you want to hear that right now, but it's true."
The same can be said for Casey Burley, a member at Kiln Creek Golf Course and Resort who upended three-time finalist Shawn McCullough 1-up in the Super Senior Women's Amateur title match. Burley credited playing against better players for helping her improve, knowing she had to if she wanted to compete.
Both Shifflett and Burley are first-time champions in their respective events. The Super Senior Women's Amateur final went on as scheduled on Thursday morning, but the remnants of Hurricane Debby, which produced squalls of what could only be described as "heavy light rain" during the morning, forced the Senior women to play two rounds of matches. With up to five inches of rain expected here overnight, there was little chance the course would be playable for Friday's scheduled final.
Shifflett and Miller each survived tough challenges from a pair of first-time semifinalists in the morning. Shifflett topped Amy Phelan 1 up in one semifinal, while Miller was extended to extra holes before dispatching Peggy Freeman on the 19th hole in the other semifinal. It marked the first time since 2021 that Miller--who was 19-0 in Senior Women's Amateur matches before falling to Shifflett--had played the 18th hole in a match.
It seemed business as usual in the final, as Miller birdied No. 1 to take a 1-up lead. But Shifflett calmly plugged away, keeping the ball in play and attacking when she could. Miller struggled with her putter for much of the day, and Shifflett was able to take advantage. Shifflett won No. 4 to tie the match, starting a stretch where she won four of six holes to take a 3-up lead at the turn. Miller rallied to win the next two, but a birdie on No. 12 put Shifflett back 2-up.
"I just tried to stay as steady as I could, and do the things around the course that I knew would be successful for me," Shifflett said. "Hitting fairways, staying in the short grass, trying to hit greens in regulation. I figured, the steadier I stayed, the better my chances were."
Miller's biggest advantage during her dominant Homestead run was her length, but that was negated on Thursday, as Shifflett often hit it past Miller off the tee. That was the case on the deciding hole, when Shifflett blasted a drive straight down the middle. Miller, who admitted she may have been overtaxed at the end, topped her drive, putting her hopes on life support. Shifflett made a stock birdie on the short par-5 to close the match, then got hugs from caddie Bev Lane and Shifflett's mother, who came out to watch.
"I knew the holes I'd have an advantage on against the rest of the field, it was even money against her," Miller said. "But Kristin played absolutely beautifully. It's probably the best I've ever seen her play. It was fantastic. I just wish I was at my best so I could stay with her. I missed more shots today than I did all week. It was frustrating for me. But I don't want to take anything away from Kristin, who played beautifully. It was fun to watch her."
For Burley, a reconstructed right elbow and lessons with teacher Madeline Foley helped re-invigorate her game. Burley said she's gained 20-30 yards off the tee post-surgery, and she used that length to her advantage against McCullough. Both players struggled to find their footing until deep into the back nine. On the par-5 13th, Burley hit a perfect 60-degree wedge to two feet for her first birdie of the day, then followed it with another birdie on the short par-4 14th to take a 2-up lead.
"That was a huge jolt, because putting is probably the weakest point in my game," Burley said. "But I've just been focusing on it. My motto is to just putt like a 13-year-old boy. I'm a First Tee coach, and those kids make amazing putts, the ones who really try. They're just really relaxed. You've got to have light hands and be relaxed."
McCullough didn't quit, though. Dormie heading to 17, she hit an excellent wedge approach from 42 yards out and nailed the birdie putt to head to 18 with a chance. McCullough hit her tee shot on the par-3 finishing hole short of the green, while Burley placed hers in the middle of the green. McCullough pressured Burley by chipping to kick-in range. Burley took a deep breath, two-putted for par, and celebrated a hard-earned win.
"This has really brought the best out of me," Burley said. "I haven't played this good of golf in 30 years now. You play against the better players, and you're going to play better."
Winners were crowned in numerous consolation flights in both championships. Please visit the scoring link above for full details.
Day 3: McCullough reaches third straight Super Senior final, Miller advances in Senior Women's Am
(Shawn McCullough earns a third straight trip to the Super Senior final. Credit: Chris Lang/VSGA)
By Chris Lang
HOT SPRINGS -- For the third straight year, Mount Vernon Country Club's Shawn McCullough advanced to the final match of the Virginia State Golf Association Super Senior Women's Amateur Championship. For the first time, though, she won't have to face fellow Mount Vernon member Linda DiVall.
McCullough defeated Boodie McGurn 2 up in one semifinal on Wednesday and will advance to face Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort's Casey Burley in Thursday's championship match. Burley defeated Army Navy CC's Shelley Savage 5 and 4 in the other semifinal. Both McGurn and Savage are three-time winners of the Senior Women's Amateur.
The Senior Women's Amateur semifinalists are set after Wednesday's quarterfinal action. The seniors will play two rounds of matches on Thursday, with the championship match set for the early afternoon. The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby are expected to bring up to five inches of rain to the Hot Springs area starting late Thursday afternoon, thus the decision to move the scheduled Friday morning championship match to Thursday.
Four-time defending champion Andrea Miller's quest for a fifth title remained alive as she defeated Bev Lane 3 and 2 in a rematch of last year's championship match. Miller (The Club at Glenmore) will face Stonehenge G&CC's Peggy Freeman, who advanced with a 1-up win over Hermitage CC's Cindy Hollingshead. On the other side of the bracket, Fawn Lake CC's Kristin Shifflett earned a second straight trip to the semifinals with a 3-and-2 win over Mount Vernon CC's Joan Gardner. She'll meet 1757 GC's Amy Phelan, who staged an impressive comeback to oust The Piedmont Club's Sunny Small in 19 holes. Small led 4-up after 12 holes but Phelan won the six of the final seven holes to secure the victory.
NOTABLE
- Playing in her third Super Senior Women's Amateur, Burley won a match for the first time when she beat Gigi Smith in 19 holes in Tuesday's quarterfinals. Her match against Savage went much more smoothly, as a birdie on the par-3 9th gave her a 4-up lead, and she claimed victory on the 14th hole when both players made par to tie the hole.
- McCullough, last year's VSGA Super Senior Women's Golfer of the Year, has put herself in fine position to repeat by reaching the final. She was part of the winning side at the VSGA Women's Four-Ball (Senior) as well.
- Against McGurn, McCullough held a 1-up lead heading to 18. McGurn's tee shot went through the green, over the cart path and settled at the bottom of a hill in bad country, leaving her no option other than to try to hack it out. Showing supreme skill, she knocked the ball onto the green about 4 feet from the hole. McCullough still needed only to two-putt for par to tie the hole and win the match, but McGurn's shot did not go unnoticed by the gallery gathered near the green.
- In her match against Lane, Miller led 1-up heading to the short par-5 15th. She hit a laser approach inches over the green, leaving her about an 8-foot putt for eagle, which she sank to go 2-up. An up-and-down from right of the green on the par-3 16th secured her 3-and-2 win.
- Miller hasn't played the 18th hole in a match at the Senior Women's Amateur since beating Mary Cabriele in 21 holes in the 2021 semifinals.
- The Shifflett-Gardner match featured wild swings. Shifflett won four of the first five holes, then Gardner won four of the next six to tie the match heading to 12. Shifflett then won three of the next five holes to close the match.
QUOTABLE
- "Today is the best day I've ever had here. The course is playing tough, but I just stayed consistent. I think playing with the better women has really helped me out. ... It's just picking up on how they handle themselves on the course, keeping it in the fairways and staying focused." -- Casey Burley
- "Stay calm. Get some sleep. And just do what I did today, stay focused and take it one hole at a time." -- Burley on the championship match
- "It's the competitors. The course is really tough. It's hilly, and even though it's short, you have to adjust your club selection based on the rough. It's not easy. The rough is not easy. I had some very short shots, but they made more difficult because they were in the rough on the sidehill. You need some experience, and sometimes, I just didn't just it right." -- McCullough
- "Boodie didn't have her best day, and I had little bit better of a day. I'm thrilled to get through the match." -- McCullough
Day 2: Thrilling Matches and Standout Performances
(Shelley Savage defeats past champion Dot Bolling. Credit: Kate Brown/VSGA)
Photo galleryBy Kate Brown
HOT SPRINGS -- The Amateurs' second day, featuring the first round of match play, delivered intense competition and outstanding performances. Players showcased their skills on the course, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament.
Andrea Miller delivered an impressive performance with a commanding 6 & 5 victory over Becky Hawkins, highlighting her consistent play and precise putting. Bev Lane also stood out, defeating Cindy Thompson 4 & 2 by adhering to her game plan and executing crucial birdies. Peggy Freeman, Kristin Shifflett, and Sunny Small each secured decisive wins, with Small making a notable comeback to beat Renee Lyles 1 up after trailing for most of the match.
In the Super Senior division, Shawn McCullough showcased her skill with a decisive 5 & 3 victory over Rica Rohrbaugh, displaying strategic play and consistent performance. Boodie McGurn, Shelley Savage and Casey Burley also advanced, adding to the anticipation of more exciting matchups as the tournament progresses.
NOTABLE
- Shawn McCullough is the only super senior past champion who is still competing for the championship
- Andrea Miller will face Bev Lane in the quarterfinals, which was the 2023 senior championship match
- Both Shelly Savage and Boodie McGurn are past senior champions, but have never won in the super senior championship
QUOTABLE
- “Today was a new day, golf is funny that way and each day can be really different. Yesterday is done & there is nothing you can do about that so the only thing you can do is go forward & try to do your best each day.” -- Kristin Shifflett on her game yesterday vs. today
- “Cindy was crazy steady so I knew par would tie, birdie would win the hole, so I knew I had to stick to my game plan and just keep going.” -- Bev Lane on her match today against Cindy Thompson
- “I had a lot of luck on my side on some holes, but I was feeling good. I hadn’t been playing a lot of golf so it’s been great to be back in competition.” -- Boodie McGurn on how she played today
- “15 was my favorite hole. I had a not so great tee shot, but I made a really great putt for birdie. Yesterday in qualifying I had a bogey on that hole so that was a big transition mentally for me. I went 2 up on Linda there too so that was big. That was my favorite thing cause I was able to get another one on her because she’s so tough. I lost to her last year in the semis so it was my turn!” -- Boodie McGurn
- “Boodie is a fantastic player to play with. I love playing with her. She's such a competitor. She can beat you at anything, whether it's cornhole, pickleball, golf, it's absolutely fantastic playing with her and against her.” -- Shawn on playing against Boodie tomorrow
- “My chipping was fantastic. I missed a shot on hole No. 4 to the green, but I was right off the edge. I was maybe 20 feet from the pin. Most people would putt it, but I chipped it because I have such great confidence in my chipping, and I chipped it right in. I mean, it was perfect. I was right on line, and it just rolled in the hole perfectly.” -- Shawn on her chip-in on hole no. 4
Day 1: Miller and DiVall Claim Medalist Honors
(Miller posted a 6-under par 66 to start off the week. Credit: Kate Brown/VSGA)
By Kate Brown
HOT SPRINGS -- The VSGA Senior and Super Senior Women's Amateurs kicked off with an exciting first day of competition, featuring standout performances during the stroke-play qualifying round.
After concluding the Super Senior Championship qualifying round, Linda DiVall from Mount Vernon Country Club earned medalist honors with a score of 75, finishing at 3-over par. DiVall's consistent play secured her the top spot among the super seniors.
Following the Super Seniors, the Senior group finished with Andrea Miller from The Club at Glenmore delivering an outstanding performance. Miller posted a remarkable score of 66, finishing at 6-under par, to win medalist honors by a wide margin over her nearest competitor, Mary Cabriele from the Country Club of Fairfax, who finished with a score of 74, at 2-over par.
The top 16 players from the Senior qualifying round and the top 8 players from the Super Senior qualifying round advance to the championship brackets, with Senior Round of 16 and Super Senior Quarterfinals taking place on Tuesday starting at 7:30 a.m.
NOTABLE
- Andrea Miller’s score of 66, finishing at 6-under par, is her best performance ever at this course.
- Becky Hawkins secured 16th place in the senior championship flight after a thrilling playoff against Kimberly Harrington and Kolette Hoyle.
- On hole no. 8, Amy Phelan executed a brilliant wedge shot into the green, landing just two feet from the hole before rolling in for an eagle.
QUOTABLE
- "The reality is I was striking the ball really well. My short game was fantastic and everything was really clicking. Although, at first, I actually missed a 5-foot birdie putt on hole no. 1, a 7-foot birdie putt on hole no. 2, and an 18-inch birdie putt on hole no. 3. I then benched my ball, and brought a new ball in because it was afraid of the dark. After that, I was hitting it down the middle, getting up and down around the greens, and even when I put it in a greenside bunker, I got up and down for birdie. It was just birdie after birdie after birdie. It felt like everything was going to go in, and it was a lot of fun." -- Miller on her qualifying round experience
- “Today is about making the top 16. To me, it’s pretty binary—you either make the championship flight or you don’t. I birdied hole no. 7, and that was when I started to regain my confidence in my putting after some of those earlier misses.” -- Miller on her confidence after her start to the first few holes.