HAVING A BALL

WEST POINT – Conner Beth Ball knew her way around the Old Waverly Golf Course pretty well during her practice round for the U.S. Women's Amateur Championships Saturday.

After all, she has been at there before.

The Jackson native, who now has a residence in Starkville with her family, has competed at Old Waverly as a member of the Ole Miss women's golf team.

Ball will be a part of the 156-member field when the U.S. Women's Amateur begins at Old Waverly on Monday. Ball

“I'm really excited to be here at such a great event and represent not only my home state, but Ole Miss and my friends and family,” Ball said. “Being a hometown girl out here is a great feeling.”

(Photo by Joshua T. Mccoy, for Starkville Daily News)

After practice

Ball said Waverly disappoint.

The course may be laid out a bit differently for a United States Golf Association event, but Ball said the surroundings are still very familiar.

“I love Old Waverly,” Ball said. “It's always in the best condition. They take such great care of this golf course her round, Old didn't day in and day out. The way the USGA holds their championships is awesome. It's almost a completely different golf course right now with the way the rough is and how fast the greens are. It's still Waverly and still gorgeous. I'm excited we are getting to have it out here.”

Ball became the No. 1 ranked junior player in Mississippi during her time at Jackson Academy and was a two-time Mississippi Junior Amateur Champion. She was one of the youngest ever to capture state title with her first win at age 13.

At the 2017 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, Ball advanced to match play. She finished tied for 17th at the 2016 USGA Girls' Junior Championship, advanced to match play and tied for third at the 37th Girls Junior North and South Amateur.

Ball was the runner-up at the 2015 AJGA Junior and was a top five finisher at AJGA St. Francesville Area Foundation Junior. She achieved two top fives and three wins in SJGT tournaments and shot