The 86th Florida Women’s Amateur, held from June 12-15 at the Indian Creek Country Club in Miami Beach, saw four talented First Coast golfers make it to match play. Sofia Rivera of St. Augustine, Sahana Chokshi of Jacksonville, Kate Bibby of St. Augustine, and Alexandra Gazzoli of Palm Coast all qualified for the competitive match play event.
While all four golfers made it past the stroke-play qualifying rounds, only Gazzoli advanced further, making it to the semifinals before her run ended in a tough 2 and 1 loss to Remi Bacardi of Miami. Bacardi, however, would fall in the final to Siuue Wi of Reunion in another close match, losing 2 and 1.
The Road to Match Play
The Florida Women’s Amateur, known for its rigorous stroke-play qualification, had the top 32 players from a field of competitors advance to match play. After 36 holes of stroke play, it was Wu and Bacardi who emerged at the top. Wu, with a stunning 5-under 139, and Bacardi at 3-under 141, secured the top spots. The competition for match play was intense, with players like Gazzoli and Chokshi pushing their limits.
You can also read about Teen Suspect Arrested in Murder of North Miami Beach Smoke Shop Owner.
Gazzoli finished tied for third after the stroke-play rounds with a score of 144. Chokshi, who shot an impressive 69 in the second round, tied for ninth with a score of 146. Rivera and Bibby, both finishing with 149, also tied for ninth.
Chokshi’s Remarkable Comeback
Sahana Chokshi of Jacksonville put on an incredible performance during her second round. After a rough start with a double bogey and a bogey in the first two holes, Chokshi bounced back like a true competitor. Her 69 on the day included an eagle at the par-4 10th hole and birdies on the 17th and 18th holes, helping her secure her spot in match play.
Though Chokshi came incredibly close to advancing past her first match, her rally from three holes down was a highlight. She evened the match with birdies at Nos. 16 and 17, but was ultimately defeated 2-up by Olivia Hasselbach of Tampa, who made a birdie on the 18th hole to seal the win.
Gazzoli’s Gritty Matches
Alexandra Gazzoli was one of the standouts of the tournament, winning two hard-fought matches. She defeated Haley Davis of Ocala and Karoline Tuttle of Lake Mary, both by narrow 1-up scores, before being eliminated by Bacardi in the semifinals.
Early Exits for Rivera and Bibby
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a successful tournament for the other First Coast golfers. Rivera was defeated by Bella Dowhey of Orlando 3 and 1, while Kate Bibby lost 5 and 3 to Sophie Dwyer of St. Petersburg. Despite their early exits, their qualifications for match play showcased their incredible talent and potential.
Looking Ahead: Championship Month on the First Coast
For First Coast golfers, the action isn’t slowing down. July is shaping up to be Championship Month with three major events scheduled for the Jacksonville Area Golf Association (JAGA). These include:
-
The Greater Jacksonville Junior Championship on July 15-16 at the Eagle Harbor Golf Club (entry deadline: July 9 at 8 p.m.).
-
The First Coast Women’s Amateur on July 20-22 at the Sawgrass Country Club (entry deadline: July 6 at 5 p.m.).
-
The JAGA Championship on July 24-26 at Timuquana Country Club, marking its debut in the 64-year history of the tournament (entry deadline: July 1 at 5 p.m.).
First Coast Junior Golfers Lead the Charge
While the Florida Junior Tour is on a brief pause, several First Coast juniors are making waves in the standings. Jonah Nacional of St. Augustine is currently in fourth place in the boys 16-18 category. In the boys 13-15 group, Charlie Hipp of St. Johns holds third place, with Ambrose Kinnare of St. Augustine following closely in eighth. For the girls 13-15 category, Lily Wachter of St. Augustine is fourth, and Chloe McGrath of Jacksonville is in ninth.
If you want, here’s info of Sardinia on Miami Beach Closes After 20 Years.
With so much talent emerging from the First Coast, it’s clear that the region continues to produce top-notch golfers who are making their mark both locally and statewide. Keep an eye out as these players continue to rise through the ranks in the world of golf.