The 16th Maryland Women’s Open Championship was held October 20-21, 2014, on the Gold Course at Congressional Country Club in Potomac, MD. A total of 57 players completed the competition for the championship trophy. Within that field, 27 amateurs were also in competition for the inaugural Campbell Cup which was donated to the MSGA-WD by Bob Morris to honor the low amateur champion. The tournament’s presenting sponsor was Women on Course, who contributed $5,000 toward the professional purse.
After a frost delay on the first day, the temperatures remained cool. The course was challenging with very speedy greens. The low round of 71 was shot by professional Kelly Shon of Bethpage State Park Golf Course in NY. Next in line with opening rounds of 73 were professionals Ashley Grier of Columbia Country Club in MD and Debby Murphy of Trump National Bedminster in NJ, and a 74 shot by professional Ulrika Van-Niekerk of Hawks Point Golf Course in GA.
On day two, the weather was warmer and sunnier. At the conclusion of play, there were 3 players tied at first place at 146. They were Ulrika Van-Niekerk (74-72), Kelly Shon (71-75) and Ashley Grier (73-73). The playoff commenced on the first hole, where Ashley made a birdie to win the championship. Ulrika and Kelly tied for second place. Tied for fourth place at 149 were Jessica Carafiello and Debby Murphy. Patricia Post, coach of the University of Delaware women’s golf team, fired the low round of the tournament after posting at two-under-par 70. Her round included birdies on 7, 13, 17, and 18. The Professional Purse was $15,000, with a first place prize of $5,000.
The low amateur and Campbell Cup Champion was Connie Isler of TPC Potomac, who shot 152 (77-75). She received a Crystal replica of the Campbell Cup and merchandise credit at the pro shop. With two players scoring 154, Aneka Seumanutafa (80-74) won second place in a match of cards and Lisa Schlesinger (78-76) won third place. They and 7 other amateurs received merchandise credit at the pro shop.
-Reported by Patsy DiMuzio
