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Paige Schroeder Dominates Opening Round of The SALLY

Golfers competing at the iconic Oceanside Country Club during The SALLY tournament.

News Summary

In the first round of the Women’s South Atlantic Amateur Golf Championship, Paige Schroeder, a redshirt sophomore from North Florida, finished with an impressive score of 2-under, taking the lead ahead of her competitors. With four birdies and some bogeys, she outperformed notable players like Morgan Ketchum and Kary Hollenbaugh, who are just a stroke behind. The historic Oceanside Country Club sets the stage for this thrilling tournament, with several players still vying for the top spot as excitement unfolds.

Paige Schroeder Steals the Show at The SALLY with a Groovy Opening Round

In an electrifying start to the Women’s South Atlantic Amateur Golf Championship, affectionately dubbed The SALLY, North Florida’s own Paige Schroeder is lighting up the leaderboard. The redshirt sophomore, who recently transferred from Alabama, has kicked off the tournament in style, notching up four impressive birdies during her round. Despite encountering a few bogeys, she concluded with a remarkable score of 2-under, placing her one stroke ahead of the pack!

Basking under the warm sun at the historic Oceanside Country Club, a renowned course since 1907, Schroeder displayed her remarkable skills as she faced off against a field of formidable competitors. Right behind her are Morgan Ketchum from Virginia Tech and Lyla Louderbaugh from Kansas, along with last year’s champion, Kary Hollenbaugh from Ohio State, who all find themselves tied for second place at 1-under.

Hot Competition

But hold onto your hats because it’s not over yet! Several other talented players, including Thanana Kotchasanmanee, Avery McCrery, Tavia Burgess, and Chloe Schiavone from Virginia, are hot on her heels, all sitting at even par. With 29 golfers within just five shots of the lead, the excitement is palpable as the tournament rolls on. It’s definitely anyone’s game at this point!

Schroeder’s Impressive Background

For those who might not be familiar, Schroeder is no stranger to the competitive golf scene. She currently holds the rank of No. 208 in the prestigious Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com Women’s Rankings. Earlier in her junior career, she was rated as the top player in the class of 2023 and even snagged the title of the premier junior girl’s golfer according to the AJGA.

Her resume is nothing short of impressive! In 2023, she received an invite to the highly coveted Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) and made her LPGA debut at the Evian Championship. Her list of accolades includes being a three-time AJGA All-American, attaining First Team All-American honors in 2022, and being recognized as the 2022 AJGA Rolex Player of the Year.

Major Wins Under Her Belt

Let’s not forget her victories in 2022, where she took home titles from two significant tournaments: the AJGA Rolex Girls Invitational and the Girls Junior PGA Championship. She has also proudly represented Team USA at the 2021 Team Junior Solheim Cup, showcasing her skills on an international platform. Recently, she advanced to the Round of 16 at the Women’s Western Amateur and secured a fifth-place tie at the Sea Island Women’s Amateur in 2024, proving that her game keeps getting stronger.

The SALLY’s Rich Heritage

The SALLY is a storied tournament, having been hosted at the Oceanside Country Club since 1926. It draws together the best amateur golfers from across the nation and over the years, many participants have transitioned into professional ranks with the LPGA, making this tournament a vital stepping stone for aspiring golfers.

As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Schroeder and her challengers as they chase after glory at this iconic event. With a mix of youthful ambition and seasoned expertise, it’s evident that The SALLY is lined up to deliver thrilling moments on the fairways as these incredible women strive for the coveted championship trophy!

Keep your eyes peeled and stay tuned as the excitement unfolds and the championship continues in this extraordinary amateur event!