Pennington takes early lead at tourney
Three-time defending champ ahead by six strokes after first round of Ulster County women’s tourney
KINGSTON, N.Y. >> Three-time defending champion Amber Pennington has the lead after the opening round of the Ulster County Women’s Golf Association Tournament.
Pennington, who just finished her junior year at Rondout Valley High, shot a 2-over 37-39—76 at Wiltwyck Golf Club on Friday. She leads 2013 Rondout grad Chelsea Lapp by six strokes.
Round two is Saturday at the Mohonk Golf Course.
Jana Kábrtovà of the Czech Republic, who works at Mohonk, was invited to participate as a European guest of the UCWGA. She posted a 38-40—78, but is not eligible to win the championship flight.
The tournament concludes Sunday at the Lazy Swan Golf and Country Club in Saugerties.
Pennington shot a par 37 on the front nine, keyed by birdies on 5 and 7. She birdied 10 and parred five holes on the back nine, but settled for a 39 with bogeys on 13, 15 and 18.
“It was a pretty consistent round,” she said. “I felt like I did pretty good. I haven’t swung this
good in a tournament since, say, sectionals. It hasn’t been this consistent.”
“I definitely hit more greens today than I did last week,” Pennington added, remembering how she made only five of 36 greens in the New York State Women’s Amateur. “That was a nice change.”
Lapp had birdies on 2 and 5, but an 8 on the par-5 7th allowed Pennington to open the six-stroke advantage by the turn. Lapp bounced back by birdieing 11 and 12 and finished with a 43-39—82.
Diane Myers is 10 shots behind after shooting 86 Friday. Ellen Densen posted an 87. Cheryl Potter, competing in the tournament for the first time in four years after an injury that resulted in two screws being placed in her knee, shot a solid 40 on the front nine and finished with an 89.
Players did better in the morning before the heat and humidity really kicked it. The excessive heat is to continue all weekend with the real feel exceeding 100 degrees both days.
Pennington is optimistic about Saturday at Mohonk, where she shot a 75 there in the tournament three years ago. She played the course Thursday.
“I have a good caddy (dad Martin Pennington) on the bag. I’m playing smarter. I think I can probably throw up another round like this tomorrow,” she said. “I don’t see why not. As long as my short irons are good. It’s really what’s going to be key, because I had so many wedges in and short irons off the tee. I hit driver once on that course.
“I just have to keep working, keep focused and make sure I’m hydrated.”
Saturday’s Tee Times
At Mohonk Championship Flight 9:00: Amber Pennington, Jana Kabrtova, Chelsea Lapp
9:10: Diane Myers, Ellen Densen, Cheryl Potter
9:20: Mary Gersec, Kim Hines, Brooke Bode
9:30: Emily Jacobsen, Lynn Formica, Cindy Woebse
9:40: Kathleen Murphy, Cynde Modjeska, Kristen Osterhoudt First Flight 9:50: Joan Riessier, Jackie Roudis, Nancy Gogg
10:00: Kathy Riisenberg, Linda DePuy, Sandy Mancuso-Lopez
10:10: Marianne Albamont, Mary Furey, Laurie Jacobsen
10:20: Marge Bennett, Helena Baldyga