Hardy Becomes Two-Time Winner of Women’s Senior Stroke Play
Arlington — Magnolia’s Marilyn Hardy eagled Shady Valley Country Club’s par-5 eighteenth hole to capture the Women’s Senior Stroke Play for the second time. Hardy’s 2-over 74 was good for a two shot victory over San Antonio’s Kelley Nittoli on Thursday. Hardy adds this win along with her victory in 2011 to an already impressive career resume.
Leaders: Thursday’s final round was a back and forth affair as Hardy and Nittoli traded punches for all eighteen holes. The two competitors came into the last hole tied but Hardy stuck her second shot five feet from the hole. She then calmly sank her eagle putt to clinch the title.
“I think I hit every club in my bag today and every day,” said Hardy. “It’s so hard to play against a really good friend and Kelley just did great today. It was really fun competing against her.”
Nittoli, who finished runner-up in 2020, came close again as she finished two shots behind Hardy at 11-over 227 total for the week.
Austin’s Anna Morales, last years’ runner-up, finished in third at 20-over par for the championship after a final round 7-over 79.
Flights Update: In the Flights Division, Athens’ Lori Daniels capped off a wire to wire victory with a final round 6-over 78. The Super Senior Champion of the Championship Division belonged to both Heath’s Anna Schultz and Lubbock’s Marian Barker after they finished at 24-over 240 total for the tournament. Georgetown’s Joanna Davis claimed the Super Senior title over the Flights Division with a final round 8-over 80. Lastly, Diane Henigan of Montgomery and Waco’s Nannette Wheelis clinched the Legends title.
Founders Cup: The Woodlands Country Club took home this year’s Founders Cup. The Founders Cup is awarded to the club with the two lowest combined net scores from Round 1. Representing The Woodlands Country Club was Margaret Bosman and Lorraine Werner. The club posted a net score of even-par for Round 1.
Course: Shady Valley Country Club is a privately owned club in Arlington that was founded in 1959 by golf enthusiast Howard Wilemon, Jr. The course is fun and challenging as it features a tight layout and stays true to its name with many trees. This is the first TGA event Shady Valley has hosted.
Tournament Info: The Women’s Senior Stroke Play is in its 33rd year on the schedule and is the second to last event for the women on the 2022 TGA schedule. Mina Hardin captured the victory last year at Ridgewood Country Club. The championship is a 54-hole stroke play competition. The 16 players with the lowest handicap indexes at the Women’s Senior Stroke Play will be required to play from the Championship Tees (approx. 5500-5700 yards). All other players may select which tees they wish to play from – the Championship Tees or the Flights Tees (approx. 5100-5300 yards). Upon completion of Round 2, the field will be broken into flights based on 36-hole scores.
POY Points Race: Player of the Year points are awarded to the top ten finishers of the championship division for the Senior Player of the Year race. Marilyn Hardy earned 500 points towards the honor followed by 450 for Nittoli, and 400 for Morales.
What’s Next: One more event remains on the TGA’s schedule for the women in 2022. The Women’s Texas Pinehurst will take place on Nov. 7-8 at Indian Creek Golf Club in Carrollton.
About the TGA: The Texas Golf Association was established in 1906 with a mission to promote the playing and advancement of the royal and ancient game of golf in Texas. The association is one of the most respected in the country with an ongoing commitment to its members, contestants, volunteers and all who strive to preserve the great traditions of the game.
For More information about the Women’s Senior Stroke Play, click here. To see all the scores from Shady Valley Country Club, click here.