Indianapolis' Julia Potter headed to the second round of the 93rd IWGA State Amateur Championship with a two shot lead, which grew to ten as the day progressed. Birdies on holes 3, 6 and 12 today contributed to Potter's 36-hole total of 3-under-par, 141 at Meshingomesia CC.
“In no way shape or form did I expect to be leading by ten heading to the final round of the Women’s Am,” Potter said. “I am definitely not going to sit on that. I know just as well as I have been playing, I am capable of playing poorly. It’s a three day tournament for a reason.”
Potter looks for her fourth Women’s Am title this week, with previous wins coming in ’07, ’08 and ’14.
“I want to win this event as many times as I possibly can,” Potter said. “The names of the women who have three, four and five-peated are some of the best golfers to ever come through the state of Indiana.”
Potter looks to add this title to her impressive golf resume. She is a three-time IHSAA State Champion (’02, 04, ’05), an IWGA Match Play Champion (’09) and a USGA Champion (Women’s Mid-Am, ’13).
“This is my favorite event,” Potter said. “For any player who thinks they are overqualified for a State Am, I would have to disagree. It’s the Championship of the season for women and it is a blast to be out here.”
Potter’s steadiness on the course today is what separated her from the field. She carded two bogeys today on holes 4 and 11, but did not let her errors affect her attitude.
“This is a golf course that you really have to think your way around,” Potter said. “I didn’t try to overpower it out there. There were times when I wanted to go for a pin or cut a corner, but knew I shouldn’t so I played smart. This course has a way of getting back at your if you play too agressively."
Potter’s season is far from over. She will compete at the IWGA Championship in Columbus this summer as well as the USGA Amateur Championship in Portland, Ore. and the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship in Choudrant, La.
Amanda Detmer of Madison is currently second at 7-over-par, trailing Potter by ten.
After today’s round, players were placed into six flights. The top twenty and ties compose the Championship flight at 16-over-par and better.