Gilrowski wins battle of the locals for Women's Western Jr title
Gabriella Gilrowski (WWGA/Twitter photo)
When it came right down to it, a couple of Carmel, Ind., locals were left to battle for the Women’s Wester Junior title on Thursday at Woodland Country Club. Gabriella Gilrowski and Jocelyn Bruch are rising high school seniors who play out of nearby Bridgewater Club in Carmel. The two have been competing against one another for years, but this time there was a national junior title on the line.
To reach the championship match, Gilrowski defeated players from Canada, Kentucky and Missouri. Bruch reached the finals by taking down players from Colorado and Texas before edging another local talent, Nathaly Munnicha, of Columbus, Indiana, in the semifinals.
“I knew I had the capabilities to win,” Gilrowski said. “My goal was birdie on every hole. Even when I made bogey, I bounced back with birdie or a solid par.”
Gilrowski had the advantage for most of the day after going 1 up on the second hole. After the two traded the lead back and forth for the opening holes, Gilrowski won the eighth and ninth to make the turn with a 2-up lead.
Despite Bruch winning Nos. 15 and 16, Gilrowski ultimately won on the 17th hole.
“Being the underdog as the number 12 seed, fueled me to hit the shots and drain the putts,” Gilrowski said. “Match play suits me.”
Bruch was proud of her play but disappointed.
“I had good momentum coming into the championship match,” Bruch said. “I played solid golf all week. Even when I stumbled, I kept my foot on the gas.”
Gilrowski’s win earns her an automatic exemption into the 119th Women’s Western Amateur Tournament set for Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove, Illinois, July 15-20.
Information from the Women's Western Golf Association used in this reportView results for Women's Western Junior
ABOUT THE Women's Western Junior
The The Western Golf Association (WGA) has
partnered with the Women’s Western Golf
Association to administer the Women’s Western
Junior, which was first held in 1920. The
championship features an outstanding field of
competitors, many of
whom go on to become top amateur and college
players. Notable past champions include Cristie Kerr
(1994),
Grace Park (1993) and Nancy Lopez (1972-74).
The field is comprised of top-ranked amateurs who
are 18 years or younger and carry a handicap index
of 9.4 or lower. The tournament begins with 36 holes
of stroke play to establish 16 match play qualifiers.
View Complete Tournament Information