Muskogee, OK – October 8, 2024
The 4th LNGA Senior Amateur Championship teed off today at the historic Muskogee Golf Club, with fierce competition from elite senior and super senior amateur golfers. The day started off cool but heated up quickly, both in temperature and score. The start of the 54-hole event saw an exciting round one as several players navigated the 5,340-yard, par-71 course in the low 70’s.
Senior Division Leaders
Ellen Port of Sunset Hills, MO, leads the Senior Division after a stellar even-par round of 71. Close behind is Leigh Klasse of Cumberland, WI, just one stroke back with a 72. Tied for third are local favorite LeeAnn Fairlie from Oklahoma City, OK, and Kathia Gonzalez from Mexico, both carding 73s.
Reflecting on her performance today and setting the stage for tomorrow, Ellen Port shared, “There are a lot of really good players out there and there are birdies on this golf course”. When asked about her approach for tomorrow she added that she “was a little tentative I felt like today. And I can’t be tentative because that’s when you make some mistakes. If you’re afraid to hit a bad shot, you’re not going to hit a good shot. Tomorrow, I need to be a little more aggressive through the ball.”
Super Senior Division Leaders
In the Super Senior Division, Janet Miller from Catoosa, OK, holds the lead with a score of 73. She’s closely followed by Jill Johnson of Tulsa, OK, and Nancy Werkmeister of Wheat Ridge, CO, both at 74. Joan Gardner of Alexandria, VA, sits in fourth with a 75.
Janet Miller used a simple approach today to jump out to the early lead. She shared, “I hit the ball real consistent and kept it in play most of the day so I’m real happy with the way I played. As a Super Senior, she reflected on still playing at a high level. She shared that she has “played golf all her life and it’s just a fun competition and I love to play golf. It’s good exercise and I’ve met a lot of really nice ladies since I’ve been here”.
Looking Ahead
The competition resumes tomorrow with tee times starting at 8 AM. Players will battle for a good position to head into the final round on Thursday. With tight leaderboards in both divisions, and several local players in contention, it’s sure to be an exhilarating finish. Follow the scores and coverage on LNGA’s official website and follow LNGA social media channels for exclusive content.