Around the Green

The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.

Gilkeson, Hardy and Nittoli Share Lead at Women’s Senior Stroke Play

Arlington — Cindy Gilkeson, Marilyn Hardy, and Kelley Nittoli share the lead at the 33rd Women’s Senior Stroke Play after firing rounds of 3-over 75 on Tuesday at Shady Valley Country Club. The trio sits one shot ahead of Austin’s Anna Morales headed into Wednesday’s second round.

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Leaders: In Tuesday’s first round, San Antonio’s Nittoli rolled in five birdies, Magnolia’s Hardy carded four, and Sugar Land’s Gilkeson tallied three of her own. Hardy previously won this event in 2011, while Nittoli and Gilkeson are seeking their first victory at this championship. Nittoli is fresh off a win last week at the WSGA’s Women’s Southern Senior Amateur. Sitting just one shot back, Morales put herself in great position heading into Wednesday. The Austin Country Club member’s card featured an eagle on the par-5 16th hole. In fifth, and three shots back of the leaders, is Mission’s Stephanie Blount at 6-over.

Flights Division Update: In the Flights Division, Athens’ Lori Daniels took the early three shot lead by shooting a first round 8-over 80. Sitting in second is Plano’s Sara Nelson who carded an 11-over 83. Dallas’ Jan Rapp and The Woodlands’ Margaret Bosman sit in a tie for third at 12-over.

Founders Cup: The Woodlands Country Club took home this year’s Founders Cup. The Founders Cup is awarded to the club with the two lowest combined net scores from Round 1. Representing The Woodlands Country Club was Margaret Bosman and Lorraine Werner. The club posted a net score of even-par for Round 1.     

Course: Shady Valley Country Club is a privately owned club in Arlington that was founded in 1959 by golf enthusiast Howard Wilemon, Jr. The par-71 course is fun and challenging as it features a tight layout and stays true to its name with many trees. This is the first TGA event Shady Valley has hosted.

Tournament Info: The Women’s Senior Stroke Play is in its 33rd year on the schedule and is the second to last event for the women on the 2022 TGA schedule. Mina Hardin captured the victory last year at Ridgewood Country Club. The championship is a 54-hole stroke play competition. The 16 players with the lowest handicap indexes at the Women’s Senior Stroke Play will be required to play from the Championship Tees (approx. 5500-5700 yards). All other players may select which tees they wish to play from – the Championship Tees or the Flights Tees (approx. 5100-5300 yards). Upon completion of Round 2, the field will be broken into flights based on 36-hole scores.

POY Points Race: Player of the Year points will be awarded to the top ten finishers of the championship division for the Senior Player of the Year race. The champion will earn 500 points towards the honor followed by 450 for runner-up, 400 for third, 350 for fourth and 300 for fifth.

What’s Next: Round 2 will tee off from Shady Valley at 9:00 AM on Wednesday morning. After this, one more event remains on the TGA’s schedule for the women in 2022. The Women’s Texas Pinehurst will take place on Nov. 7-8 at Indian Creek Golf Club in Carrollton.

About the TGA: The Texas Golf Association was established in 1906 with a mission to promote the playing and advancement of the royal and ancient game of golf in Texas. The association is one of the most respected in the country with an ongoing commitment to its members, contestants, volunteers and all who strive to preserve the great traditions of the game.

For More information about the Women’s Senior Stroke Play, click here. To see all the scores from Shady Valley Country Club, click here.