Jennifer Kupcho of Westminster, who’s seeking her third consecutive title in the CWGA Stroke Play Championship, shot a 1-under-par 71 to go ahead by two after Monday’s opening round of the 54-hole tournament at Lone Tree Golf Club.
Kupcho (pictured), a U.S. Women’s Open qualifier and the No. 11 player in the women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings, made four birdies and three bogeys in round 1 of the 70th annual tourney.
The women’s NCAA Finals runner-up is attempting to become the first player to win four consecutive CWGA majors (Stroke Play and Match Play) since Wendy Werley in 1988-89. And the Wake Forest golfer is aiming to be the first player to three-peat in the CWGA Stroke Play since Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Janet Moore won four in a row culminating in 1997.
Kupcho’s margin of victory in this event has been 21 and 19 shots, respectively, in the last two years.
Mary Weinstein of Highlands Ranch, runner-up to Kupcho in this event in 2015, is her closest pursuer after the first round as she posted a 1-over-par 73. Weinstein, a Regis University golfer and the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado’s 2016 girls Player of the Year, carded three birdies and four bogeys on Monday while paired with Kupcho.
Sharing third place after 74s in round 1 were Erin Sargent of Longmont and Delaney Elliott of Superior. Sargent plays golf for the University of Wyoming and Elliott for Montana State. Each made two birdies on Monday.
Former 5A state high school champion “” and 2016 Stroke Play runner-up “” Gillian Vance, the University of Colorado golfer who competed with Kupcho in the 2015 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball, shares fifth place at 75 with Danielle Price.
Play will continue through Wednesday, with players being flighted after the completion of 36 holes.
For scores from the CWGA Stroke Play, CLICK HERE.
