Smith Enjoys Moments at Augusta

Augusta, Ga. – Kate Smith took in every moment possible in the world’s premier amateur women’s golf tournament, tying for 30th through 36 holes in an 82-player field, before ultimately missing the cut on the first playoff hole Wednesday afternoon at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Champions Retreat. 

Smith and three other golfers locked in a one-hole playoff missed the 30-player cut as Maja Stark (Sweden) sank a birdie putt on No. 10 to win the playoff and claim the 30th and final spot in Saturday’s championship round at Augusta National.

Smith (Detroit Lakes, Minn.), who began the day atop the leader board at four-under-par through just 11 holes, completed her opening round at even-par 72 in a tie for fifth before starting her second round just before noon on Wednesday.

After firing a three-under-par 33 on the front nine Tuesday, Smith battled her way to a four-over 40 on the second round’s first nine holes Wednesday. She took the turn and settled for a double-bogey on No. 10. She then settled in with six consecutive pars before taking a bogey on No. 17. She made par on No. 18 to complete her second round with a 79 and earn one of five spots in the playoff.

“I got a lot of nice attention for 12 holes of golf,” Smith said. “You can’t underestimate this course. It’s a tough course so you are going to make your bogeys. This course is beautiful and I really enjoyed it. Shane Bacon tweeted at me and Amanda Balionis followed me on Twitter. I was like, ‘oh my gosh, this is the best night of my life. I tried to have fun and enjoy the moment. It took me a little bit to fall asleep last night.”

Tournament favorite Rose Zhang and Ingrid Lingblad tied for the top spot on the leader board through two rounds to enter Saturday’s final round at 143 (-1). Auston Kim and Olivia Mehaffey are tied for third at one stroke back 144 (E), as only four golfers played the course to par or better through 36 holes.

Smith will return to Nebraska to join the Huskers in preparing for the Indiana Spring Invitational (April 17-18). The tournament will be NU’s final regular-season competition before heading to the Big Ten Championships at TPC Rivers Bend in Maineville, Ohio (April 23-24).