Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Former futures tour pro advances in Doherty tournament
After playing golf for the University of Iowa and earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees that focused on natural resources, Shirley Vaughan wanted to give the LPGA Tour a shot.
She played 2-3 years on the developmental Futures Tour, which is now the Symetra Tour, before deciding to put her education to use as a naturalist with Deerfield Island Park, a 53-acre county property accessible only by boat.
“It was the best job ever,” said Vaughan, who described herself as a “decent college golfer.”
Her career took her to Jacksonville and now Canton, Ohio. Since she regained her amateur status, it’s also allowed her to play in the Ione D. Jones/Doherty Women’s Amateur Championship at Coral Ridge Country Club.
Playing in the amateur division, Vaughan won her opening match 7 and 5 on Tuesday against Danielle Proctor of Sewickley, Pa., with whom she has played mid-amateur golf tournaments in Ohio.
“Through a great education and a great job, I’m able to play golf,” said Vaughan, who is competing in the Doherty for the third time.
At 47, she joked that she’s counting the days until she turns 50 and can play in the senior division instead of having to potentially face teen-age and college golfers in the amateur division.
She added that she thinks it’s great that the Doherty allows the youngsters to play.
“For those young players, whether you win or lose, you learn how to succeed,” Vaughan said, “and that’s what’s great about this event.”
She also liked being able to play against her friend Proctor.
Vaughan was the 12th seed after shooting a 7-over-par 80 Monday in a qualifying round. Proctor was seeded 21st after posting an 89.
“We had the best time,” Vaughan said. “That’s what I came here for. Having a great time and a great opponent.”
Proctor had some quick swings that resulted in errant shots that turned out to be costly. She and Vaughan halved the first two holes, then Vaughan won five of the next six holes.
A birdie at the ninth got Proctor to 4 down, but Vaughan won three of the next four holes to close out the match.
“Danielle was not on her game today,” Vaughan said. “I played well for me.”
Vaughan meets Noelle Maertz of Clark, N.J., in the second round today. The No. 5 seed, Maertz shot 75 Monday. On Tuesday she defeated No. 28 Louise Davis of Dallas 10 and 8.
“I’m actually glad I got to play,” said Maertz, noting that Dana Williams of Boca Raton also shot 75, but because she finished before Maertz, she got one of three first-round byes (the others went to defending champion Kendall Griffin and medalist Selena Costabile, who shot 72).
“Today was only my third time playing the course,” Maertz said. “It’s super tight.”