Kathryn VanArragon (StoneRidge GC) closed with an even-par 72 to win the Minnesota Women's Amateur Championship at 7-under 209, ten shots clear of Grace Petzold (Wayzata CC). Starting the final round with a three-shot lead, VanArragon extended her margin immediately when Petzold opened with a quadruple-bogey on the first hole. A brief hiccup on No. 10—where VanArragon doubled and Petzold birdied—closed the gap to three, but VanArragon answered with back-to-back birdies to put the title out of reach. Petzold, who made eight consecutive pars and a birdie after her opening disaster, shot 79 to finish alone in second at 3-over 219. The victory earns VanArragon an exemption into the U.S. Women's Amateur at The Honors Course. Four players—Grace Raich, Elle Higgins, Anna Huettl, and Olivia Salonek—tied for third at 7-over 223.
All credit to Petzold for not giving up after the quadruple bogey opening hole. She steadied herself and recorded a string of eight straight pars and a birdie. While her finish didn't leave her close to the lead, it was clear the day belonged to VanArragon. But the courage award goes to runner-up Petzold.
