June 30, 2005
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Santa Clara University junior golfer Candice Palmer became the first Bronco to qualify for the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, which will be hosted by the U.S. Golf Association in August. She carded a 75 in today's qualifying round at Pasatiempo Golf Course in Santa Cruz, posting the third lowest score of the day. There were 57 competitors, and the top eight from this site advanced to the national event.
Palmer, a native of nearby Pleasanton and a former standout at Amador Valley High School, was participating in her first tournament of the summer season, as she had arthroscopic surgery on both knees after the spring season ended in late April. She will compete in the California Women's Championship in July before participating in the Amateur, which will take place August 1-7 at Ansley Golf Club's Settindown Creek Course in Roswell, Ga.
"I've been working so hard in the physical therapy to be prepared for a return to the course and it feels so good to see that work pay off at this qualifier," Palmer said. "I made some good putts and felt my confidence growing with every hole; I felt good about my chances when the round was finished.
Palmer did not have a caddy going into this morning's round, but a fog delay allowed her ample time to secure one before taking on the par-72, 6,056-yard layout.
"He knew the greens very well and I owe my success today to the teamwork we were able to create," she added.
"This is a great opportunity for Candice going into her senior season," Bronco head coach Polly Schulze said after observing Palmer's round. "You could see her confidence build throughout the day."
The U.S. Women's Amateur, the third oldest of the USGA championships, was first played in 1895 at Meadowbrook Club in Hempstead, N.Y. The event is open to any female amateur who has a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 5.4. The Women's Amateur is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the USGA, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.
For more information on this event, please visit its official site by clicking here. Other qualifying results from around the country can be found by clicking here.
