California Women's Amateur is underway

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA (July 26, 2016) -- Get into the match play brackets. That was the primary goal as the first round of stroke play qualifying for this week’s annual California Women’s Amateur Championship got underway Tuesday at par-72 Quail Lodge Resort in Carmel Valley. Consisting of 36 holes this year, a pair of players–Sabrina Iqbal of San Jose and Laura Hoskin of New Zealand–each grabbed a share of the early lead by posting matching scores of 1-under 71. Hoskin, who formerly played at Oregon State, penciled in an eagle and a birdie to go against just two bogeys. Iqbal, who’s coming off a recent victory at the NCGA Junior Championship, carded four birdies and three bogeys. Three players—Camille Orito of Fresno, Danville’s Hailey White and Erika Salinas of Sacramento–are tied for third at 73. Lynne Cowan of Rocklin, a four-time winner of the event (1999, 2000, 2005, 2007) is T-20 following an opening 76. Following Wednesday’s second round of stroke play qualifying, a cut will be made with the low 32 advancing to match play. On Thursday, play will consist of both the Round of 32 and Round of 16 of match play. Friday’s play will consist of the quarterfinals and semifinals, with the final to be held Saturday morning at Pebble Beach Golf Links. The championship, founded by women’s golf legend Helen Lengfeld in 1967, was annually held at Pebble Beach until 1987.