HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (April 26, 2012) -- It looks very much like a two-person race for the Women’s State Senior Championship hosted by Huntsville Country Club as Sue Raines and Nancy Schlich are tied for the lead on 147, eight clear of Chris Spivey in third place.
Overnight leader Raines of Florence added a 75 to her opening 72, with Schlich of Auburn reversing Raines’ scores with a 72 added to her first round 75.
Turns out they went to Auburn University in the mid-70s with Raines on the tennis team and Schlich on the fledgling golf team. However, they had never met until today when they were paired together.
“We had a lot of fun playing together,” Raines said. “There’s not too many ‘War Eagles’ up this way!”
Schlich had the round, and the shot, of the day. Her 72 was three better than both Raines and Pam Holcombe, also of Florence.
She holed a pitching wedge for an eagle two on No. 3, a 312-yard par four. She remained two-under-par for her round until the 12th hole where she had a bogey. Bogeys followed on Nos. 13, 16 and 18 against a birdie on No. 14.
“I knew it was close (her approach on No. 3), but we did not know it had gone in as the hole was hidden over a slight hill. What a thrill to find it at the bottom of the cup.”
Schlich, who played very little golf after college until about six years ago, finished third in this championship last year.
“I know we will have a good time (in the final round) as I’m playing with a kindred spirit. I just want to keep my mind on one shot at a time.”
Raines was even par through 12 holes of her second round after three birdies and three bogeys.
“I was going great guns, but then I struggled coming in.”
She had bogeys on 13 and 17 and a double bogey on 16.
“I was not near as consistent in my second round as my first, but I’m still in with a chance.”
Indeed she is as it looks like her title or Schlich’s to lose. However, third-placed Spivey is a four-time champion in this championship and cannot be counted out.
Raines, who lost in a playoff to Martha Lang in this championship in 2009, is playing in her third Women’s State Senior.
This championship is open to ladies who are 50 years old and above and is 54 holes of stroke play.
Tee times for the third and final round are from 8:00 – 9:20 off Nos. 1 and 10.
View results for Alabama Women's Senior
ABOUT THE Alabama Women's Senior
Entries are open to any female amateur golfer who is
a legal resident of Alabama, has an active GHIN®
USGA Handicap Index® at an AGA member club.
54 holes of gross individual stroke play. No cut.
Three Divisions: Championship, Tournament, and
Super Senior 65+
The lowest score for 54 holes in the Championship
Division will be the overall Champion.
Super Seniors play 36 holes.
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