This week’s venue and venue for the 2015 US Open Chambers Bay – photo USGA
Perth’s Maddison Hinson Tolchard and NSW’s Kelsey Bennett have advanced to the Round of 32 following victories in their opening round matches at the US Women’s Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay in Washington State this morning.
Hinson Tolchard, now a member of the Oklahoma State University team, came from 1 down at turn in her match against China’s Yixian Guo to win 2&1, sealing the deal with a birdie at the 17th hole.
“It was a bit weird to start off with,” said Hinson Tolchard referring to the conditions. “Definitely didn’t expect it to downpour like it did to start off with, and then this weird misty fog came in in the arvo, but yeah, it’s a bit cold now, but it didn’t bother me too much. You have to take it as it comes with the weather, so it’s fine.
“Dad (father and caddie) and I have been having fun, so we’re just going to go out and take it one shot at a time again and just enjoy it. I don’t think we can really do anything different at this point.”
Bennett also faced a competitor from China, Jieni Li, and was never behind in their match, although after being tied through nine holes Bennett drew clear to win at the 17th which she too birdied to win 3&1.
New Zealand’s Fiona Xu, the current Australian Amateur Champion, lost her encounter against Ireland’s Annabel Wilson 5&4.
