WHS graduate qualifies for US Amateur Championship

While golf is a quiet sport, Faith Kilgore made a loud statement.

Kilgore earned qualification into the United States Golf Association Amateur Championship in early August. The Championships will be held in Rye, NY at Westchester Country Club.

The soon-to-be junior was one of 88 players competing for just six slots in the championship event at Northgate Country Club. What made Kilgore’s qualification even more remarkable was she was competing in a field composed of mostly NCAA Division I golfers.

“For 18 holes and one day, today put me on an even playing field,” Kilgore said. “And to have my best be better than the rest of the field gives me confidence,” Kilgore said. “When I get to New York, that will be the most competitive stage I have ever been on.”

The native of Wimberley, Kilgore earned her championship spot by shooting a one-under par 70 to finish in a tie with four other golfers for third place. Hannah Holzmann, of UT-San Antonio, won the event with a 65 (-6) with Elise Parel, from Houston Baptist, finishing as the runner with a 69 (-2).

What made Kilgore’s day even more impressive were her finishing holes. She was one-over par heading into the final two holes. Knowing she had to finish with two birdies, she executed. Kilgore started with a birdie on the par three 17th hole then nailed a 20-foot birdie putt on the finishing par five hole. Those were her fifth and sixth birdies on the day.

“I knew I had to shoot under par today and even then, I might even have to get into a playoff. Then to go out and accomplish that, especially with a birdie-birdie finish, just adds to an already spectacular day.

“Coach Nelson challenged me to believe in myself like he believes in me. And his support just means so much,” Kilgore concluded.

The remainder of the USGA Amateur Championship field will be set through other qualification events across the country. This tournament was one of 27 qualification events.

This article was originally published by Stephen Hinkel on ccucougars.com, the official athletic website of Colorado Christian University.