Young, Sardi qualify for U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur
Donna Young and Susan Sardi have played in hundreds of golf tournaments whether those events occurred at their home clubs, throughout New Jersey or on other golf courses throughout the United States.
They both got game proven again on July 29 when Sardi and Young finished second and third, respectively, to qualify for the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur at Cedar Rapids CC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa August 24-29.
Sardi shot 80 and Young 81 during a qualifying round at Lulu Country Club in Glenside, Pa. Noreen Mohler, a Northampton CC member, earned medalist honors with a 6-over-par-79 on the 5,623-yard, par-73 Lulu tract.
Most competitive golfers press for USGA events as sites and competition offer quality surroundings. Sardi, 63, and Cherry Valley CC member in Skillman for 30 years, gained her fifth USGA event at Lulu then followed by qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur. Young, 62, a perennial champion at her Springdale GC home in Princeton, plus, a two-time New Jersey Women’s Amateur champion, plays in her 19th USGA event. Both local players gushed about these special amateur competitions.
“Playing well enough to qualify for the USGA events is what I hope to do all this year. If you could grant me just one wish — this is it,” Sardi said.
Sardi has relied on impressive putting, a requirement for successful USGA events although all aspects of golf both physical, mental and emotional come under scrutiny during these highly competitive events.
Young, a Ewing resident, has waited 10 years since her last U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur appearance. “Excited. Incredibly grateful. It’s nice when the hard work pays off,” Young explained. “It’s my 19th USGA event but by no means is this old hat, especially the Seniors because I haven’t been there in a while. I’m appreciative to have made it and to be going.”
Young received her introduction to golf at age five when her dad, Al, took her to a local driving range. The game has produced incredible memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
“I didn’t know that I would still be playing well at age 62. I hoped. And qualifying for a USGA event remains an incredibly special accomplishment. It’s what a good player strives for,” Young admitted. “Anybody can be a star at home but these events represent an opportunity to take your game on the road and play against some of the most talented women golfers. This is the ultimate test.”
Sardi plays in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship Sept. 14-19 at Forest Highlands Golf Club in Flagstaff, Ariz.
Schedule for U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur at Cedar Rapids CC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
— Thursday, Aug. 22 (Practice rounds)
— Friday, Aug. 23 (Practice rounds)
— Saturday, Aug. 24 (Stroke play, Round 1, 18 holes)
— Sunday, Aug. 25 (Stroke play, Round 2, 18 holes)
— Monday, Aug. 26 (Round of 64, match play)
— Tuesday, Aug. 27 (Round of 32/Round of 16, match play)
— Wednesday, Aug. 28 (Quarterfinals/Semifinals, match play)
— Thursday, Aug. 29 (Championship Match, 18 holes)
The low 64 scorers following stroke play will qualify for match play. If necessary, a playoff will be conducted to determine the final spots in the draw.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist and golf writer.