DuPont, WA – Moving Day lived up to the hype at The Home Course as the leaderboard at the LNGA Amateur Championship got a major shakeup—thanks to a red-hot round from Cindy Hsu.
Hsu, an incoming senior at the University of Texas and the reigning Women’s Elite Amateur Cup champion, fired a sizzling 5-under-par round today to post a two-day total of 7-under, vaulting her to the top of the leaderboard. With the final round looming, she’ll lead the last group out tomorrow in a marquee pairing that’s as competitive as it is personal.
Joining her? None other than former Texas teammate Bentley Cotton, a familiar face at the LNGA Championship. Cotton, who graduated in 2024 and is currently exploring her professional options, has come agonizingly close in this event—falling in a playoff once and finishing runner-up last year. Now, she’ll have one more crack at etching her name on the George III Champion Trophy.
Adding to the firepower in the final pairing is Caroline Smith, a recent Indiana University graduate who also has professional aspirations. Smith has played consistently and is primed to make her move as she looks to close her amateur career with a statement win.
The trio brings not only championship experience, but also strong support teams. Hsu has a particularly meaningful presence on the bag—former LPGA standout and coach Candie Kung, a fellow native of Taiwan who has worked with Cindy for the past five years. “She brings a combination of calm emotion and positive energy,” Hsu said after her round. “I think that helps me a lot trying to stay present and focused on every shot.”
Cotton is backed by her brother Austin, who’s been her loyal caddie throughout her amateur journey, with parents in tow cheering her on at every turn.
While the spotlight is on the leaders, there’s plenty of excitement across the leaderboard. Ava Merrill also posted a blistering 5-under-par for the day and is three shots back. In the junior ranks, Jie-En Lin of Taiwan has jumped ahead for that medal, holding a one-shot edge over Rebecca Wang of China, yesterday’s overall leader. With one round to go, the race for the Dorothy Pease Junior Medalist Trophy is shaping up to be just as thrilling.
With a legacy dating back to 1927, the LNGA Amateur remains one of the premier stages in women’s amateur golf. As the final round approaches, tomorrow’s action promises action, drama, and maybe even a dream come true.
About the Ladies National Golf Association (LNGA)
Founded in 1927, the LNGA is a national, volunteer-led women’s amateur golf association dedicated to
Promoting the game, conducting an elite championship, and upholding sportsmanship and camaraderie. LNGA champions include LPGA stars, USGA titleholders, and legends of the game.
Contact Information:
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tobi Herron
LNGA Board of Director, Communications Committee
Email: Ladiesnationalgolf@gmail.com
Website: https://ladiesnationalgolf.org
