The 2024 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur championship took place at Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton, Mass. The course proved to be tough in Round 1, with a scoring average of 80.1. Alexandra Austin, a six-month pregnant player, stood out in the field by shooting the only round under par with a score of two-under 70. Her impressive performance is especially notable given her pregnancy, with her baby boy due in January. This marked Austin’s fourth time competing in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Am, with previous success in the championship as well as in other amateur events.
Austin’s round at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur included three birdies and one bogey, with a near-ace on the 218-yard par-3 17th hole. Despite her pregnancy, Austin displayed remarkable skill and focus on the course. Following behind Austin on the leaderboard was Jacqueline Setas at even par, and three players at one-over par, including Kelsey Chugg and Lauren Greenlief. Defending champion Kimberly Dinh was T23 after posting a score of four-over 76 in the first round.
The championship will progress with Round 2 of stroke play on Sunday. The top 64 players will then be seeded in match play, with the Round of 64 happening on Monday, followed by the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final 18-hole match on Thursday. Fans can follow the action to see who will ultimately emerge as the winner of the U.S. Women’s Mid-Am. With the competition heating up, the tournament promises to showcase the skill and talent of these amateur female golfers.
Jessica Marksbury, a member of Columbia’s first female varsity golf team, is an integral part of the GOLF.com editorial team. She brings her passion for the game to her role, overseeing various print and online features, including major projects like the Style Issue. Marksbury’s original interview series, “A Round With,” has been a highlight for readers, providing insights into the lives and careers of top golfers. Her contributions to the publication showcase her knowledge and expertise in the world of golf.
This year’s U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur championship saw Alexandra Austin stand out as the only player to shoot under par in the first round. Her performance, while six months pregnant, has captured the attention of fans and fellow competitors. As Austin navigates the tough competition and challenging course, her skills and determination shine through. With notable players like Kelsey Chugg and Kimberly Dinh in the mix, the tournament promises exciting matchups and thrilling moments on the course.
The historic Brae Burn Country Club provided a demanding test for the participants, with a scoring average of 80.1 highlighting the difficulty of the course. Despite these challenges, Austin’s ability to produce a strong round under par underscores her talent and dedication to the game. As the championship continues, spectators can look forward to seeing how the field of players fares in the upcoming rounds of stroke play and match play. The tournament serves as a platform for showcasing the skill and sportsmanship of amateur female golfers vying for the coveted title of U.S. Women’s Mid-Am champion.
Austin’s impressive round, featuring a near-ace on a challenging par-3 hole, demonstrates her ability to perform under pressure and maintain focus on the course. Her success in previous editions of the U.S. Women’s Mid-Am, as well as other amateur events, speaks to her experience and expertise in competitive golf. With the support of fans and fellow competitors, Austin continues to make a mark in the world of women’s amateur golf, inspiring others with her determination and sportsmanship. The championship at Brae Burn promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and skill among the top female amateur players in the game.
