Mehaffey gets Augusta boost with second win
OLIVIA Mehaffey clinched her second collegiate victory for Arizona State when she claimed the Bruin Wave Invitational in California as she counts down to the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April.
The Royal County Down Ladies star (21) shot rounds of 76, 71 and 73 at San Luis Obispo Country Club to win by one stroke on four-over-par from Oregon’s Petra Salko.
Arizona State finished third, four strokes behind Stanford and coach Missy FarrKaye was delighted for the Banbridge star and her team.
“We fought hard after a mediocre start yesterday,” she said. “Olivia was ready to get back to the winner’s circle and I am thrilled for her.”
Mehaffey, who won her maiden collegiate title when she finished as co-medalist in the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge last season, plays Arizona’s Wildcat Invitational from March 11-12 before ASU hosts its PING/ASU Invitational from March 29-31.
She then heads to Augusta for the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur from April 3-6, where the 72-strong field will play two rounds at Champions Retreat Golf Club with the top 30 going on to play the final round at Augusta National.
Whether they make the cut or not, the entire field will get the chance to play a practice round at Augusta National on the eve of the final round.