Alas, she missed earning a spot in the 2016 championship — she finished a stroke out of a playoff at a qualifying tournament, and she didn’t land an automatic berth by making the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open — so Kupcho made the best of Plan B.

That translated into not only winning the CWGA Stroke Play for the second straight year, but running away with it. After prevailing by 21 shots last year, the victory margin was a “mere” 19 this time around. The win gave the 19-year-old the first single-season sweep of the CWGA’s two majors — the Match Play and the Stroke Play — since Kim Eaton won both in 2004.

“After I won Match Play I was kind of thinking, ‘That would be really cool to win Stroke, but hopefully I won’t be here because I’ll be at the Am.'” Kupcho said Thursday. “That didn’t happen, so it was, ‘Well, hopefully I can get the win (in the Stroke Play)’ and I did, so that’s really exciting.”

The successful title defense at Denver Country Club means that the Wake Forest golfer has won three consecutive CWGA majors — and all in dominating fashion. (She’s pictured above with both the Match Play and Stroke Play trophies, and at left with her dad/caddie Mike.)

The two-time CWGA Player of the Year becomes the first competitor since Wendy Werley in 1988 and ’89 to claim the titles in three straight CWGA majors. (Werley actually won four in a row in those two years.)

A day after firing a 7-under-par 65 and breaking the women’s course record at Denver Country Club — a 68 shot by none other than world-renowned athlete Babe Zaharias on July 3, 1946 — Kupcho posted a 5-under 67 in Thursday’s final round. That gave her a 13-under-par 203 total, just three strokes higher than she shot last year at Pinehurst Country Club, where she also went 65-67 the last two days.

Not only is Kupcho the first to sweep the CWGA Match Play and Stroke Play titles in the same season in a dozen years, but she’s the first to win back-to-back Stroke Play championships since Melissa Martin did so in 2009 and ’10. All told, Kupcho (left, next to a scoreboard on the 18th tee) has won two Stroke Plays and two Match Plays. Her Match Play victory this year came with a 12-and-10 score in the scheduled 36-hole final.

The 2016 U.S. Women’s Open qualifier finished 19 strokes up on runner-up Gillian Vance of Lakewood, a University of Colorado golfer who teamed with Kupcho to win the CWGA Mashie title earlier this year. Vance, the 2015 5A state high school champion, closed with a 77 for a 222 total.

“I’m really happy about (being runner-up),” said Vance (left). “Jennifer, she is a brick wall. She is so good, and I’m so proud of her. There are some really great girls out here. To take second is awesome, next to Jennifer.”

Claiming third place on Thursday, at 224, was Rosana Valdor of City Park Golf Course, a Spaniard who played college golf at the University of Texas El Paso. Fourth was University of Wyoming golfer Taylor Dorans of Erie, who posted a 227.

Asked how she keeps playing well even when she has such a large lead that it’s a virtual lock that she’ll win, Kupcho said, “I just play to what I know I’m capable of. Even if the field isn’t coming up to me, I’ve just got to keep focused and keep going.”

But while Thursday’s outcome was largely a lock as she came into the day with a nine-shot lead, Tuesday’s first round was touch-and-go there for a while. After all, a migraine — a problem she dealt with on occasion during high school — hit her while she was on the practice range prior to her round.

“I got it on the range and I really couldn’t see anything,” she said. “I wasn’t watching my ball flight. I told my mom where I was kind of trying to aim, then I’d hit it and she’d tell me where it would go. I was just warming up, hoping I could actually see when I teed off. That was crazy, and the first six or seven holes were really tough. I kind of felt like I needed to throw up the whole time. It was just kind of getting through, then the back nine I started feeling a little better.”

Asked if she considered withdrawing, and Kupcho said no.

“I played through (a migraine) in high school regionals so I knew I could do it,” she noted. “Since I really wanted this, it was like, ‘Power through. You’ve got this.'”

Kupcho ended up shooting a 71 that first day, then got in a groove on Wednesday and Thursday. Over her final 36 holes, she racked up an eagle, 12 birdies and two bogeys.

The eagle came on the 454-yard, par-5 10th hole on Thursday. After a 280-yard drive, she hit a 6-iron to 15 feet and calmly rolled in the putt for a 3 (left).

“Because I’ve played with her for so long, I guess it’s like, ‘She’ll do that,'” Vance said “You just know, and you learn to play your own game. You can’t really do anything about it except praise them because it’s amazing.”

Because the lead was so large on Thursday, Kupcho set a goal of finishing at 16-under-par 200, as she did last year at Pinehurst. And after the eagle on 10, that was well within reach as she was 13 under with eight holes left.

“It was just trying to keep myself motivated to get something,” said Kupcho, who tied for sixth as a freshman earlier this year in the Women’s NCAA finals. “I kind of wanted to get to 200. That would have been really sweet again. But then I probably would have been thinking, ‘It could have been 199.'”

Alas, Kupcho ended up playing her final eight holes in even par and settling for 203.

And with that, she goes out on a high note, summer golf-wise. Kupcho said she isn’t planning on playing any more tournaments before driving back to Wake Forest for her sophomore season late this month.

As for the other seven flights at the CWGA Stroke Play, the gross-score champions were Delaney Elliott and Kylee Sullivan (tied in first flight), Holly Schaefer and Mariah Ehrman (tied in second flight), Emilee Strausburg and Kathy Malpass (tied in third flight), Mary Doyen (fourth flight), Jane Ford and Kelli Poppenhagen (tied in fifth flight), Debbie Mills (sixth flight), and Hee Chung and Vicki Porter (tied in seventh flight).

CWGA Stroke Play
At Par-72 Denver CC

Championship Flight
Jennifer Kupcho, CommonGround WGC 71-65-67–203
Gillian Vance, CommonGround WGA 72-73-77–222
Rosana Valdor, City Park Wga 75-75-74–224
Taylor Dorans, Eagle Trace Lga 74-73-80–227
Calli Ringsby, Denver CC Lga 77-75-78–230
Morgan Sahm, Saddle Rock Wga 79-76-76–231
Anna Kennedy, Denver CC Lga 78-77-77–232
Betsy Kelly, Green Valley Ranch Wga 78-75-79–232
Kim Eaton, Riverdale Wga 80-72-81–233
Jaylee Tait, Raccoon Creek WGA 78-77-82–237
Janet Moore, Cherry Hills CC Wga 76-78-90–244
Tori Glenn, Ridge at Castle Pines N Wga 82-75-WD

First Flight
Delaney Elliott, CommonGround WGA 78-80-77–235
Kylee Sullivan, CC of Colorado WGA 79-81-75–235
Mackenzie Cohen, Inverness Lga 81-80-78–239
Klara Castillo, Kennedy Lga 78-87-77–242
Michelle Romano, Colorado Golf Club Wga 78-83-83–244
Allie Johnston, Red Hawk Ridge Wga 82-80-83–245
Megan McCambridge, Boulder CC Wga 83-79-83–245
Ashlyn Kirschner, West Woods Wgc 83-88-77–248
Courtney Ewing, Desert Hawk Pueblo West Wga 84-80-87–251
Kelly Moran, Boulder CC Wga 82-85-84–251
Tiffany Maurycy, Cherry Creek CC Wga 83-87-85–255
Sydney Gillespie, Highlands Ranch Wga 83-87-86–256
Forre Zook, Colorado Springs CC Lga 88-86-88–262

Second Flight
Holly Schaefer, Columbine CC Lga 84-73-78–235
Mariah Ehrman, Heritage at Westmoor WGA 77-78-80–235
Jacquelin Biggs, South Suburban Family Sports 79-79-79–237
Maddie Kern, Cjga Tournament Club 82-79-80–241
Madison McCambridge, Boulder CC Wga 76-84-82–242
Megan Vernon, Applewood Wga 83-84-78–245
Christie Austin, Cherry Hills CC Wga 87-83-79–249
Kacey Godwin, CommonGround WGA 82-80-88–250
Kelly Martin, Fox Hollow Lgc 87-79-85–251

Third Flight
Emilee Strausburg, The Club at Rolling Hills Wga 84-77-79–240
Kathy Malpass, Hiwan Wga 80-81-79–240
Brittany Roberts, Wellshire Women 79-86-84–249
Cindy Snow, Pinery CC Wga 86-85-79–250
Jennifer Hocking, Colorado Springs CC Lga 88-79-83–250
Nina Dulacki, Broken Tee Englewood Wga 91-83-81–255
Katherine Moore-Lilly, Cordillera Wga Valley 87-84-87–258
Ruth Van Zee, LGA at Blackstone/Black Bear 85-84-90–259
Jessi McVay, CommonGround 86-88-93–267

Fourth Flight
Mary Doyen, Foothills Wga 84-80-80–244
Liz Kennedy, Tiara Rado Lga 85-79-86–250
Sue Hartwell, West Woods Wgc 84-81-86–251
Laurie Steenrod, Saddle Rock Wga 85-83-85–253
Karen Williams, Wellshire Wga 88-83-84–255
Sandra Young, Eisenhower Wga 88-81-87–256
Kendra George, Ravenna Wga 81-87-90–258
Kate Connor, South Surburban 83-88-89–260
Dr. Andrea Grilli, The Club at Rolling Hills Wga 93-83-86–262
Meagan Arvidson, Lga at Blackstone/Black Bear 81-80-101–262
LeAnna Rosenow, West Woods Wgc 93-84-89–266
Kathleen Johnson, Ranch CC Lga 93-88-DQ–DQ

Fifth Flight
Jane Ford, Hyland Hills Wga 86-89-86–261
Kelli Poppenhagen, Meadow Hills Wga 90-86-85–261
Liza Grant, Denver CC Lga 89-85-89–263
Susan Schell, Arrowhead Wga 88-88-90–266
Carla Stearns, Wellshire Women 92-89-86–267
Sophia Montoya, Elmwood Golf Course 86-93-90–269
Katty Rothberg, Cherry Creek CC Wga 91-89-93–273
Karen Hale, CC of Castle Pines 96-90-91–277
Jessica Nisbet, Ptarmigan CC Wga 87-94-101–282
Kimalee Hull, Pinehurst CC Wga 91-94-97–282
Melis Ward, Wellshire Wga 100-87-95–282
Patty Smogor, Saddle Rock Wga 94-97-92–283
Patricia Swanson, West Woods Wga 103-89-92–284
Marie Driessen, The Pinery CC 95-96-94–285
Ouida Neil, Broadmoor Wga 100-93-94–287

Sixth Flight
Debbie Mills, Meridian Wga 89-91-82–262
Laura Dunston, Canongate Colorado Wgc 89-87-90–266
Jo Ann Higgins, Fox Hill Club Wga 88-92-87–267
Mariko Coplin, Willis Case Wga 88-90-90–268
Karen Chase, Fox Hollow Lgc 90-88-95–273
Chris Jansen, Broken Tee Wgl 89-95-93–277
Ria Woodruff, Saddle Rock Wga 88-94-100–282
Diane Ferrara, Broken Tee Englewood Wga 96-92-95–283
Elizabeth Kraemer, Legacy Ridge Wga 92-94-100–286
Wendy Atkinson, Ranch CC Lga 95-97-94–286

Seventh Flight
Hee Chung, Meridian Wga 92-84-90–266
Vicki Porter, Foothills Wga 89-86-91–266
Jean Miller, West Woods Wgc 88-92-90–270
Alison O’Connor, Collindale Wga 95-82-96–273
Patricia Sato, Ranch CC Lga 94-87-96–277
Jenna Knutson, Indian Peaks Golf Club 94-91-96–281
Emma Robinson, Pueblo CC Wga 94-96-92–282
Andrea Dikeou, Castle Pines Wga 98-90-95–283
Claudia Gallegos, South Suburban Wga 91-98-94–283
Karen Leuschel, Riverdale Wga 90-91-102–283
Karin Hathaway, Wellshire Women 94-96-95–285
Linda Raunig, Broken Tee Wgl 102-93-91–286
Mary Smith, Fox Hollow Wga 88-96-110–294
Jennifer Tempas, Columbine CC Lga 98-99-98–295
Lisa Schmid, Green Valley Ranch Wga 106-97-101–304
Kim Gosche, Saddle Rock Wga 95-WD

In opening up a nine-shot lead after Wednesday’s second round of the 69th CWGA Stroke Play Championship, Kupcho is in great shape to become the first back-to-back winner of the Stroke Play since Melissa Martin in 2009 and ’10, and the first player since Kim Eaton in 2004 to sweep both the CWGA Match Play and Stroke Play titles in the same year.

It’s all par for the course for the Wake Forest golfer, a two-time CWGA Player of the Year who competed in the U.S. Women’s Open last month. After all, last year in this same event, she won by an jaw-dropping 21 shots.

Kupcho (pictured) not only fired a 7-under-par 65 on Wednesday at Denver Country Club, but she played her last 11 holes in 8 under par and her last six holes in 5 under.

That left her with an 8-under-par 136 total, nine shots better than second-place Gillian Vance of Lakewood, a University of Colorado golfer and 2015 5A state high school champion. Vance, who teamed with Kupcho to win the CWGA Mashie title earlier this year, carded a 73 on Wednesday, putting her at 145 overall.

University of Wyoming golfer Taylor Dorans (147) sits in third, while Rosana Valdor (150) is fourth. Eaton, a Colorado Golf Hall of Famer, and Denver Country Club’s Calli Ringsby share fifth place at 152.

The top dozen players from the championship/first flight after Wednesday’s second round were slotted into the championhip flight for Thursday’s final round. The championship flight leaders will tee off at 9:33 a.m. Thursday.

All told, there are seven flights in addition to the championship. For the scores from each flight, see below.

CWGA Stroke Play
At Par-72 Denver CC

Championship Flight

Jennifer Kupcho, CommonGround WGC 71-65–136
Gillian Vance, CommonGround WGA 72-73–145
Taylor Dorans, Eagle Trace Lga 74-73–147
Rosana Valdor, City Park Wga 75-75–150
Calli Ringsby, Denver CC Lga 77-75–152
Kim Eaton, Riverdale Wga 80-72–152
Betsy Kelly, Green Valley Ranch Wga 78-75–153
Janet Moore, Cherry Hills CC Wga 76-78–154
Anna Kennedy, Denver CC Lga 78-77–155
Jaylee Tait, Raccoon Creek WGA 78-77–155
Morgan Sahm, Saddle Rock Wga 79-76–155
Tori Glenn, Ridge at Castle Pines N Wga 82-75–157
 
First Flight
Delaney Elliott, CommonGround WGA 78-80–158
Kylee Sullivan, CC of Colorado WGA 79-81–160
Mackenzie Cohen, Inverness Lga 81-80–161
Michelle Romano, Colorado Golf Club Wga 78-83–161
Allie Johnston, Red Hawk Ridge Wga 82-80–162
Megan McCambridge, Boulder CC Wga 83-79–162
Courtney Ewing, Desert Hawk Pueblo West Wga 84-80–164
Klara Castillo, Kennedy Lga 78-87–165
Kelly Moran, Boulder CC Wga 82-85–167
Sydney Gillespie, Highlands Ranch Wga 83-87–170
Tiffany Maurycy, Cherry Creek CC Wga 83-87–170
Ashlyn Kirschner, West Woods Wgc 83-88–171
Forre Zook, Colorado Springs CC Lga 88-86–174
 
Second Flight
Mariah Ehrman, Heritage at Westmoor WGA 77-78–155
Holly Schaefer, Columbine CC Lga 84-73–157
Jacquelin Biggs, South Suburban Family Sports 79-79–158
Madison McCambridge, Boulder CC Wga 76-84–160
Maddie Kern, Cjga Tournament Club 82-79–161
Kacey Godwin, CommonGround WGA 82-80–162
Kelly Martin, Fox Hollow Lgc 87-79–166
Megan Vernon, Applewood Wga 83-84–167
Christie Austin, Cherry Hills CC Wga 87-83–170
 
Third Flight
Emilee Strausburg, The Club at Rolling Hills Wga 84-77–161
Kathy Malpass, Hiwan Wga 80-81–161
Brittany Roberts, Wellshire Women 79-86–165
Jennifer Hocking, Colorado Springs CC Lga 88-79–167
Ruth Van Zee, LGA at Blackstone/Black Bear 85-84–169
Cindy Snow, Pinery CC Wga 86-85–171
Katherine Moore-Lilly, Cordillera Wga Valley 87-84–171
Jessi McVay, CommonGround 86-88–174
Nina Dulacki, Broken Tee Englewood Wga 91-83–174
 
Fourth Flight
Meagan Arvidson, Lga at Blackstone/Black Bear 81-80–161
Liz Kennedy, Tiara Rado Lga 85-79–164
Mary Doyen, Foothills Wga 84-80–164
Sue Hartwell, West Woods Wgc 84-81–165
Kendra George, Ravenna Wga 81-87–168
Laurie Steenrod, Saddle Rock Wga 85-83–168
Sandra Young, Eisenhower Wga 88-81–169
Karen Williams, Wellshire Wga 88-83–171
Kate Connor, South Surburban 83-88–171
Dr. Andrea Grilli, The Club at Rolling Hills Wga 93-83–176
LeAnna Rosenow, West Woods Wgc 93-84–177
Kathleen Johnson, Ranch CC Lga 93-88–181
 
Fifth Flight
Liza Grant, Denver CC Lga 89-85–174
Jane Ford, Hyland Hills Wga 86-89–175
Kelli Poppenhagen, Meadow Hills Wga 90-86–176
Susan Schell, Arrowhead Wga 88-88–176
Sophia Montoya, Elmwood Golf Course 86-93–179
Katty Rothberg, Cherry Creek CC Wga 91-89–180
Carla Stearns, Wellshire Women 92-89–181
Jessica Nisbet, Ptarmigan CC Wga 87-94–181
Kimalee Hull, Pinehurst CC Wga 91-94–185
Karen Hale, CC of Castle Pines 96-90–186
Melis Ward, Wellshire Wga 100-87–187
Marie Driessen, The Pinery CC 95-96–191
Patty Smogor, Saddle Rock Wga 94-97–191
Patricia Swanson, West Woods Wga 103-89–192
Ouida Neil, Broadmoor Wga 100-93–193
 
Sixth Flight
Laura Dunston, Canongate Colorado Wgc 89-87–176
Karen Chase, Fox Hollow Lgc 90-88–178
Mariko Coplin, Willis Case Wga 88-90–178
Debbie Mills, Meridian Wga 89-91–180
Jo Ann Higgins, Fox Hill Club Wga 88-92–180
Ria Woodruff, Saddle Rock Wga 88-94–182
Chris Jansen, Broken Tee Wgl 89-95–184
Elizabeth Kraemer, Legacy Ridge Wga 92-94–186
Diane Ferrara, Broken Tee Englewood Wga 96-92–188
Wendy Atkinson, Ranch CC Lga 95-97–192
 
Seventh Flight
Vicki Porter, Foothills Wga 89-86–175
Hee Chung, Meridian Wga 92-84–176
Alison O’Connor, Collindale Wga 95-82–177
Jean Miller, West Woods Wgc 88-92–180
Karen Leuschel, Riverdale Wga 90-91–181
Patricia Sato, Ranch CC Lga 94-87–181
Mary Smith, Fox Hollow Wga 88-96–184
Jenna Knutson, Indian Peaks Golf Club 94-91–185
Andrea Dikeou, Castle Pines Wga 98-90–188
Claudia Gallegos, South Suburban Wga 91-98–189
Emma Robinson, Pueblo CC Wga 94-96–190
Karin Hathaway, Wellshire Women 94-96–190
Linda Raunig, Broken Tee Wgl 102-93–195
Jennifer Tempas, Columbine CC Lga 98-99–197
Lisa Schmid, Green Valley Ranch Wga 106-97–203
Kim Gosche, Saddle Rock Wga 95-WD
 

Which is to say, she’s leading.

The two-time CWGA Player of the Year, who won the 2015 Stroke Play by 21 shots, fired a 1-under-par 71 Tuesday at Denver Country Club, giving her a one-stroke lead after the first round.

The Wake Forest golfer, who competed in the U.S. Women’s Open last month, made three birdies and two bogeys on Tuesday. Kupcho is trying to become the first back-to-back winner of the Stroke Play since Melissa Martin in 2009 and ’10, and the first player since Kim Eaton in 2004 to sweep both the CWGA Match Play and Stroke Play titles in the same year.

University of Colorado golfer Gillian Vance, who teamed with Kupcho to win this year’s CWGA Mashie and for the 2015 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball, sits in second place after firing an even-par 72 on Tuesday. The 2015 5A state high school champion carded two birdies and two bogeys on Tuesday. (Vance and Kupcho are pictured above, with Kupcho at left.)

Taylor Dorans of Erie, a University of Wyoming golfer, shot a 74, good for third place, while Rosana Valdor posted a 75.

Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Janet Moore, who won the first of her five CWGA Stroke Plays in 1991 at Denver Country Club, opened with a 76 and is in fifth place.

After Wednesday’s second round, the top 12 championship/first flight competitors, plus ties, will be separated into a championship flight for Thursday’s final round.

All told, there will be seven flights in addition to the championship.

For interactive scores, click on the following flights:

— Championship/First
— Second
— Third
— Fourth
— Fifth
— Sixth
— Seventh

CWGA Stroke Play

At Par-72 Denver CC

Championship/First Flight
Jennifer Kupcho, Westminster, Colo. – 33-38–71
Gillian Vance, Lakewood, Colo. – 37-35–72
Taylor Dorans, Erie, Colo. – 38-36–74
Rosana Valdor, Denver, Colo. – 39-36–75
Janet Moore, Cherry Hills Village, Colo. – 37-39–76
Calli Ringsby, Denver, Colo. – 38-39–77
Anna Kennedy, Parker, Colo. – 38-40–78
Betsy Kelly, Commerce City, Colo. – 40-38–78
Delaney Elliott, Superior, Colo. – 41-37–78
Jaylee Tait, Littleton, Colo. – 33-45–78
Klara Castillo, Waco, Texas – 38-40–78
Michelle Romano, Littleton, Colo. – 41-37–78
Kylee Sullivan, Colorado Springs, Colo. – 39-40–79
Morgan Sahm, Centennial, Colo. – 38-41–79
Kim Eaton, Mesa, Ariz. – 40-40–80
Mackenzie Cohen, Centennial, Colo. – 40-41–81
Allie Johnston, Castle Rock, Colo. – 39-43–82
Kelly Moran, Boulder, Colo. – 42-40–82
Tori Glenn, Castle Pines, Colo. – 41-41–82
Ashlyn Kirschner, Arvada, Colo. – 41-42–83
Megan McCambridge, Boulder, Colo. – 43-40–83
Sydney Gillespie, Highlands Ranch, Colorado – 41-42–83
Tiffany Maurycy, Denver, Colo. – 40-43–83
Courtney Ewing, Pueblo West, Colo. – 42-42–84
Forre Zook, Colorado Springs, Colorado – 41-47–88

Second Flight
Madison McCambridge, Boulder, Colo. – 37-39–76
Mariah Ehrman, Westminster, Colorado – 37-40–77
Jacquelin Biggs, Englewood, Colo. – 38-41–79
Kacey Godwin, Denver, Colo. – 39-43–82
Maddie Kern, Westminster, Colo. – 42-40–82
Megan Vernon, Conifer, Colorado – 42-41–83
Holly Schaefer, Greenwood Village, Colo. – 41-43–84
Christie Austin, Denver, Colo. – 43-44–87
Kelly Martin, Evergreen, Colo. – 42-45–87

Third Flight
Brittany Roberts, Denver, Colo. – 40-39–79
Kathy Malpass, Evergreen, Colo. – 38-42–80
Emilee Strausburg, Lakewood, Colorado – 41-43–84
Ruth Van Zee, Denver, Colo. – 42-43–85
Cindy Snow, Parker, Colo. – 43-43–86
Jessi McVay, Denver, Colo. – 42-44–86
Katherine Moore-Lilly, Minneapolis, Minnesota – 43-44–87
Jennifer Hocking, Colorado Springs, Colorado – 42-46–88
Nina Dulacki, Denver, Colo. – 48-43–91

Fourth Flight
Kendra George, Littleton, Colo. – 42-39–81
Meagan Arvidson, Aurora, Colo. – 40-41–81
Kate Connor, Highlands Ranch, Colo. – 42-41–83
Mary Doyen, Denver, Colo. – 47-37–84
Sue Hartwell, Arvada, Colo. – 41-43–84
Laurie Steenrod, Aurora, Colo. – 44-41–85
Liz Kennedy, Grand Junction, Colo. – 43-42–85
Karen Williams, Denver, Colo. – 44-44–88
Sandra Young, Monument, Colorado – 45-43–88
Dr. Andrea Grilli, Golden, Colo. – 45-48–93
Kathleen Johnson, Broomfield, Colo. – 44-49–93
LeAnna Rosenow, Arvada, Colo. – 45-48–93

Fifth Flight
Jane Ford, Thornton, Colo. – 43-43–86
Sophia Montoya, Pueblo, Colorado – 42-44–86
Jessica Nisbet, Loveland, Colorado – 42-45–87
Susan Schell, Highlands Ranch, Colo. – 42-46–88
Liza Grant, Denver, Colo. – 47-42–89
Kelli Poppenhagen, Aurora, Colo. – 43-47–90
Katty Rothberg, Denver, Colo. – 48-43–91
Kimalee Hull, Denver, Colo. – 48-43–91
Carla Stearns, Denver, Colo. – 45-47–92
Patty Smogor, Centennial, Colo. – 45-49–94
Marie Driessen, Aurora, Colo. – 45-50–95
Karen Hale, Edwards, Colo. – 46-50–96
Melis Ward, Denver, Colo. – 53-47–100
Ouida Neil, Colorado Springs, Colo. – 49-51–100
Patricia Swanson, Arvada, Colo. – 58-45–103

Sixth Flight
Jo Ann Higgins, Longmont, Colo. – 46-42–88
Mariko Coplin, Lakewood, Colo. – 43-45–88
Ria Woodruff, Aurora, Colo. – 45-43–88
Chris Jansen, Denver, Colo. – 47-42–89
Debbie Mills, Parker, Colo. – 44-45–89
Laura Dunston, Aurora, Colo. – 47-42–89
Karen Chase, Littleton, Colo. – 43-47–90
Elizabeth Kraemer, Westminster, Co 8003, Colo. – 45-47–92
Wendy Atkinson, Westminster, Colo. – 50-45–95
Diane Ferrara, Westminster, Colo. – 49-47–96

Seventh Flight
Jean Miller, Arvada, Colo. – 47-41–88
Mary Smith, Arvada, Colo. – 46-42–88
Vicki Porter, Denver, Colo. – 45-44–89
Karen Leuschel, Broomfield, Colo. – 46-44–90
Claudia Gallegos, Lone Tree, Colo. – 45-46–91
Hee Chung, Aurora, Colo. – 43-49–92
Emma Robinson, Pueblo, Colo. – 52-42–94
Jenna Knutson, Boudler, Colo. – 46-48–94
Karin Hathaway, Denver, Colo. – 45-49–94
Patricia Sato, Westminster, Colo. – 44-50–94
Alison O’Connor, Windsor, Colo. – 47-48–95
Kim Gosche, Denver, Colo. – 49-46–95
Andrea Dikeou, Denver, Colo. – 48-50–98
Jennifer Tempas, Littleton, Colorado – 51-47–98
Linda Raunig, Denver, Colo. – 49-53–102
Lisa Schmid, Denver, Colo. – 58-48–106
 

In some respects, these are unprecedented times for the amateurs in the Colorado Cup Matches they play against professionals from the Colorado PGA.

To wit:

— On Tuesday, when the matches were contested for the 46th year overall, and the 11th year with a women’s division, the CGA and CWGA amateurs swept the titles in the open, senior and women’s competitions for the first time.

— The eight-point winning margin in the open division (13-5) was the largest since the pros won 13.5-4.5 in 2002. (The CGA’s open team is pictured above.)

— With Tuesday’s victory at Valley Country Club, the amateurs have now won the open division three straight years, something they had never done before since the Cup Matches began in 1971. In fact, the last time the amateurs had won two straight before this current run was 2000-01, when their teams included a current PGA Tour player (Kevin Stadler), the winners of four Colorado Opens (Derek Tolan, Stadler and Ben Portie) and a Colorado Golf Hall of Famer (Rick DeWitt).

— And, of course, the CWGA amateurs continue to own a remarkable unblemished record, having gone 11-0 against the professionals.

— Even in the senior division, where the amateurs had won just once since 2005, they eked out a victory on Tuesday. (They’re pictured at left.)

“Obviously as amateurs we want to beat the pros, and the pros obviously want to beat us, so there is a good rivalry between the two of us,” said CGA amateur open-division captain Nick Nosewicz, winner of the 2015 CGA Match Play. “It’s pretty special. Anytime you can get your name on the trophy that’s state-related and be part of a team, it’s fun.”

On Tuesday, the CGA amateurs defeated the Colorado PGA professionals 13-5 in the open division and 9.5-8.5 in the seniors, while the CWGA amateurs (below) kept their record unblemished against the pros, winning 6-3.

“That was a relief,” said Deb Hughes, who served as CWGA amateur captain and won both her four ball and singles matches, the latter thanks to carding an eagle and three birdies. “(The pressure to keep the perfect record intact) was no joke. I told the girls, ‘Don’t worry about it, just go out and play and enjoy yourselves.

“But I was worried because I didn’t expect to be appointed the captain. I came in this morning and all the girls were sitting at the table and I sat down thinking I was just going to join in. They all looked at me and said, ‘You’re the captain.’ I said, ‘What?’ I thought they were kidding. I’ve never done anything like this before. But it worked out OK.”

As it did for the seniors, whose only previous win against the pros in the last decade came in 2012. This time around, Tom Roos served as senior amateur captain.

“I think it’s great (to notch the victory),” said 2015 CGA Senior Stroke Play winner Bill Fowler, who won his singles match and halved his four-ball while teaming with Sean Forey. “We obviously played well. It’s kind of a cobbled-together team, but I think everyone went out to do the best they could, and at the end of the day we got one more point than them.”

The professionals still handily lead the all-time open series, 30-14 with two draws. With Tuesday’s victory, senior amateurs took the overall lead in their series 16-15 with three draws. And, after a one-year hiatus in the women’s competition, the women’s amateurs continued their Colorado Cup win streak.

Eight players — all amateurs — won both their four-ball and singles matches on Tuesday: Chris Thayer, Andrew Tapia, Connor Klein and Tristan Rohrbaugh in the open division; Hughes, Taylor Dorans and Sarah Hankins in the women’s competition; and Art Cudworth in the seniors. (Hughes and Dorans are pictured at left.)

Suffice it to say there was some pretty good golf played on Tuesday.

Nosewicz noted that he was 5 under par on his own ball in the morning four ball, and teammate Chris Korte, winner of the 2015 CGA Stroke Play, was 5 under on his. But the future U.S. Amateur Four-Ball qualifying team still lost 3 and 2 to professionals Geoff Keffer and Blake Sharamitaro.

But both CGA champions notched singles victories against former Colorado PGA Players of the Year, with Korte edging Keffer 3 and 1 and Nosewicz defeating Caine Fitzgerald 2 and 1. As captain, Nosewicz arranged to face Fitzgerald as the former plays out of Meadow Hills Golf Course and the latter is an assistant professional there.

“I wanted to make sure somebody from Meadow Hills won today,” Nosewicz said with a smile. “But I think I had six birdies and an eagle and won with a hole left to play. It was a battle, but a fun one indeed.”

As for his four-ball pairings, Nosewicz said, “I kind of knew the players I wanted to pair together. I know a couple of the amateurs’ games and I knew which ones could play this course really well. I asked Chris Thayer and Korte for a little input. I had six solid squads that we wanted to play. Then I got in and (almost everyone else) won. I did OK. Dustin (Jensen from the CGA) said I could stay.”

While Nosewicz is a relative newcomer to the Colorado Cup Matches — Tuesday was his second — Hughes and Fowler are veterans, Hughes having competed in five and Fowler in enough that he doesn’t remember the exact number.

“I haven’t won very many (titles with the amateur team), so this is historic for me too,” Fowler said. “I haven’t seen my name on the trophy on the open side but I’m going to look for it because I’m hoping to have my name on (for both the open and senior divisions).

“It took me a long time to realize I’m good enough to play against some of these pros, and to actually go and beat them once in a while is certainly an accomplishment that I’m proud of. The professionals obviously play at a very high level so that’s kind of a barometer for us to be able to compete and be successful at that level. I respect them. It’s always fun to compete and see how we compare.”

(Above, amateur Colin Prater putts as professionals Kyle Voska and Rob Hunt look on.)
 

Colorado Cup Matches
At Valley CC in Centennial

OPEN DIVISION
Overall Score: CGA Amateurs 13, Colorado PGA Professionals 5

Four Ball: CGA Amateurs 4, Colorado PGA Professionals 2
Jimmy Makloski/Andrew Tapia (A) def. Chris Johnson/Scott Ough, 5 and 4
Lamar Carlisle/Connor Klein (A) def. Ryan Wroblewski/Peter Norwood, 2 and 1
Geoff Keffer/Blake Sharamitaro (P) def. Nick Nosewicz/Chris Korte, 3 and 2
Chris Thayer/Kyle Danford (A) def. Kyle Voska/Rob Hunt, 4 and 2
Barry Milstead/Caine Fitzgerald (P) def. Colin Prater/Jake Staiano, 3 and 2
Tristan Rohrbaugh/Sam Marley (A) def. Dan O’Shaughnessy/Tray Shehee, 3 and 2

Singles: CGA Amateurs 9, Colorado PGA Professionals 3
Connor Klein (A) def. Barry Milstead, 3 and 2
Tristan Rohrbaugh (A) def. Chris Johnson, 1 up
Kyle Voska (P) def. Lamar Carlile, 4 and 2
Colin Prater (A) def. Rob Hunt, 1 up
Nick Nosewicz (A) def. Caine Fitzgerald, 2 and 1
Chris Korte (A) def. Geoff Keffer, 3 and 1
Blake Sharamitaro (P) halved with Sam Marley (A)
Peter Norwood (P) def. Kyle Danford, 1 up
Andrew Tapia (A) def. Scott Ough, 2 and 1
Chris Thayer (A) def. Ryan Wroblewski, 3 and 2
Jimmy Makloski (A) halved with Tray Shehee (P)
Jake Staiano (A) def. Dan O’Shaughnessy, 5 and 4

SENIOR DIVISION
Overall Score: CGA Amateurs 9.5, Colorado PGA Professionals 8.5

Four Ball: Colorado Colorado PGA Professionals 3, CGA Amateurs 3
Robin Bradbury/Scott Sullivan (A) def. Rudy Castaneda/Doug Perry, 3 and 2
Scott Hart/Dave Detweiler (P) def. Owen Ellis/Bob Beiersdorf, 2 and 1
Ron Vlosich/Perry Holmes (P) halved with Mike Larson/Kelly Crone (A)
Bill Fowler/Sean Forey (A) halved with Scott Walter/Scott Sommers (P)
Pat Bowe/Art Cudworth (A) def. Russell Aragon/Vance Pollock, 2 up
Rick Ellefson/Tom Krause (P) def. Tom Roos/Gary Driber, 2 up

Singles: CGA Amateurs 6.5, Colorado PGA Professionals 5.5
Art Cudworth (A) def. Russell Aragon, 4 and 2
Vance Pollock (P) def. Robin Bradbury, 1 up
Ron Vlosich (P) def. Scott Sullivan, 2 and 1
Perry Holmes (P) def. Kelly Crone, 3 and 2
Scott Walter (P) def. Owen Ellis, 4 and 3
Bill Fowler (A) def. Scott Sommers 4 and 3
Mike Larson (A) def. Rick Ellefson, 5 and 4
Gary Driber (A) def. Tom Krause, 1 up
Dave Detweiler (P) halved with Tom Roos (A)
Bob Beiersdorf (A) def. Scott Hart, 3 and 1
Doug Perry (P) def. Pat Bowe, 5 and 4
Sean Forey (A) def. Rudy Castaneda, 5 and 4

WOMEN’S DIVISION
Overall Score: CWGA 6, Colorado PGA 3

Four Ball: CWGA 3, Colorado PGA 0
Taylor Dorans/Delaney Elliott (A) def. Patti Marquis/Sherry Andonian-Smith, 2 and 1
Kylee Sullivan/Megan Vernon (A) def. Casey Brittain/Courtney Rudolph, 5 and 4
Deb Hughes/Sarah Hankins (A) def. Katie Milstead/Erin Diegel, 1 up

Singles: CWGA 3, Colorado PGA 3

Taylor Dorans (A) def. Erin Diegel, 7 and 5
Deb Hughes (A) def. Patti Marquis, 4 and 3
Sarah Hankins (A) def. Katie Milstead, 4 and 3
Sherry Andonian-Smith (P) def. Kylee Sullivan, 5 and 4
Casey Brittain (P) def. Delaney Elliott, 3 and 2
Courtney Rudolph (P) def. Megan Vernon, 5 and 3
 

Jennifer Kupcho won her first CWGA championship at the grand old age of 17.

It took her eight days to notch victory No. 2.

The senior-to-be at Jefferson Academy followed up last week’s CWGA Junior Stroke Play win with a title in one of the association’s most prestigious championships, claiming the top spot Thursday in the 99th CWGA Match Play at Lone Tree Golf Club.

That means that in the last 5 1/2 weeks, Kupcho has won the 4A state high school tournament and the two CWGA titles, qualifying for the U.S. Girls’ Junior in between for good measure.

“It’s exciting to accomplish all that,” said the Wake Forest recruit (pictured above and below). “Hopefully I can just keep going. It’s exciting to get it all done in one year.”

At 17 years old, Kupcho becomes one of the youngest champions in the history of the CWGA Match Play, which was first contested in 1916. Becca Huffer is believed to be the youngest Match Play champ, having won the 2005 championship at age 15. And now Kupcho and Huffer are the only players to have claimed the CWGA Match Play and the Junior Stroke Play titles in the same year.

Kupcho completed her trifecta with a 6-and-5 victory over University of Colorado golfer Tori Glenn in Thursday’s 36-hole title match. Kupcho, part of the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program at CommonGround Golf Course, won her last three matches at Lone Tree 4 and 3, 5 and 3, and 6 and 5.

“Jennifer is a solid player. I really respect her game,” said Glenn, a Castle Pines resident who placed fourth in the 2013 4A state high school meet as a Valor Christian senior. “She was making so many birdies, so it was kind of hard to compare with that.”

After shooting a 4-over-par 76 in the first 18 against Glenn (left), Kupcho made five birdies in the 13 holes of the second 18, standing 2 under par in that round when the match concluded. She closed things out with an 8-foot birdie on the par-3 13th that Glenn couldn’t match from slightly closer.

“This means a lot,” said Kupcho, the 2013 CWGA Junior Player of the Year. “Most of the people in the field were college players, and it’s exciting to get the opportunity to play against them.”

The Westminster resident won the first two holes of Thursday’s match with pars as Glenn started double bogey-bogey. But Glenn, a former gymnast who has only been playing golf for a little over three years, managed to cut the deficit to 1 down through 19 holes.

Kupcho responded with birdies on 2, 3, and 5 in the second round to give herself a cushion she wouldn’t relinquish.

“The second 18, to win the hole you had to birdie,” said the 19-year-old Glenn. “It was fun.”

And on the par-5 11th hole in the afternoon, even a birdie wasn’t enough as the players halved the hole with that score when Kupcho got up and down from the bunker (left) and Glenn drained a 15-foot putt.

Kupcho’s putter was much more cooperative during the final 18 than it was in the first round.

“I started making putts more in the afternoon, so I was able to make more birdies,” she said. “I didn’t really have confidence in the first 18. Once I got done with 18, I practiced putting and I got my confidence back.”

Even though Kupcho has won both CWGA championships she’s competed in in 2014, it sounds like she’s going to give her competitors a break for the remainder of the CWGA events in 2014. She’ll be in San Diego for the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships when the CWGA Junior Match Play is scheduled next month, and she’ll be in Flagstaff, Ariz., for the U.S. Girls’ Junior when the CWGA Stroke Play is contested.

CWGA Match Play Championship
At Lone Tree GC

Championship Final — Jennifer Kupcho, CommonGround GC, def. Tori Glenn, Ridge at Castle Pines North, 6 and 5

Championship Flight Consolation Final — Mackenzie Cohen, Inverness GC, def. Taylor Dorans, Eagle Trace GC, 1 up

For the Match Play Tree, CLICK HERE.

Hannah Wood and her dad, Don, won’t soon forget how they spent Father’s Day last year.

Wood, an alternate for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links after the qualifying tournament, received a phone call that Sunday notifying her that she had a spot in the national championship.

The only problem was, they were in Centennial, and the championship was in Norman, Okla., and competition was starting the next day.

The Woods packed up, hopped in the car about midday on Father’s Day and arrived in Norman about 11:30 p.m. Hannah didn’t have an opportunity to play a practice round, though Don checked out the course in the morning before her afternoon tee time.

Despite the disadvantage, Hannah finished 34th out of the 156-player field in stroke play, earning a spot in match play before losing in the first round.

It was all a fun and exciting experience, but this year, there will be no need to rush around at the last minute.

That’s because the recent Arapahoe High School graduate earned medalist honors on Tuesday in the national Women’s Public Links qualifier at Saddle Rock Golf Course in Aurora.

In fact, Wood left nothing to chance in that regard as her 2-under-par 70 was the best score of the day by a whopping five shots.

“It’s the best feeling in the world,” she said of qualifying for the Publinks again. “Honestly, I love the idea of the Publinks. It’s my favorite tournament by far. And I would love to go to Washington. It’s always been on my bucket list. Especially since this is the last Publinks, it means the world just to qualify.”

Wood, who’s been part of the first two classes of the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program at CommonGround Golf Course, will be going to her fifth USGA championship — all coming in the last two years. She’s also made it to a USGA Women’s State Team, where she finished 11th individually last year, a U.S. Girls’ Junior, a U.S. Women’s Amateur and the 2013 Publinks.

This year’s Women’s Publinks is scheduled for July 14-19 at The Home Course in Dupont, Wash.

Wood, a University of Oklahoma signee, was one of four qualifiers on Tuesday at Saddle Rock. Also advancing to the national championship are three players who carded 75s: Taylor Dorans of Erie, Mikayla Tatman of Fort Collins, and University of Denver golfer Elyse Smidinger of Crofton, Md. (The four qualifiers are pictured above. From left: Smidinger, Wood, Tatman and Dorans.)

Twenty-two players entered the qualifying tournament, though three withdrew beforehand.

Wood, winner of the last two CJGA Tournament of Champions, was coming off a disappointing ending of her high school career at last week’s 5A state tournament. She birdied the final hole to get into a playoff, but three putted the first sudden-death hole to finish second to Rock Canyon’s Michelle Romano.

“I would much rather play in a USGA event,” Wood said. “Of course, I wanted to win state high school, but this is quite the honor. (USGA championships) are the best tournaments in golf. I adore the USGA tournaments and how they set them up, and the courses are just amazing.”

On Tuesday, the 18-year-old (left) made five birdies and three bogeys, finishing on a high note with birdies on 17 and 18. Coincidentally, she also won a high school tournament at Saddle Rock this year with a score of 70, though it was set up much more difficult on Tuesday.

“I had three 5-footers for birdie,” Wood noted. “My ball-striking was pretty good. It was solid — a few birdies, a few bogeys and I just hung in there.”

While all of Tuesday’s other qualifiers have competed in USGA championships before, Tatman will be making her debut in Washington, which will be the site of the final Women’s Publinks after a 38-year run. Also in July, the last men’s U.S. Amateur Public Links will be held. The USGA announced last year that it is discontinuing both championships.

“This is my first USGA event that I’ll be going to,” said Tatman, a redshirt junior-to-be on the Colorado State women’s golf team. “I really wanted this one. I’m very pleased.

“I was one stroke away last year (from a potential playoff at this qualifier). I’ve been close but I’ve never been able to break through. It doesn’t matter if it’s the U.S. Women’s Open or the Amateur or the Publinks; it’s still a national tournament. I’m just ecstatic right now. I really am. It’s special, too, to be able to go to the last one. We’re going to have fun, that’s for sure.”

Tatman, the 2011 CWGA Junior Match Play runner-up, had to dig herself out of a hole Tuesday to qualify. She was 4 over par through three holes, having gone double bogey, bogey, bogey. But she went 1 under the rest of the way and made a 25-foot birdie on No. 18.

“I’ve really been working on mentally staying in it,” she said. “It’s not ever over until your last putt drops on 18. I just kept that mindset and it worked out.”

Tatman, who attended Silver Creek High School in Longmont and played golf for Skyline, was happy to come through not only for herself but in honor of her dad, Lloyd, who passed away in 2012 after battling cancer.

“I’ve just been trying to come out here and play the best I can for him,” Mikayla Tatman said. “So this is very special.”

Dorans, a University of Wyoming golfer who posted four top-six showings in the 4A state tournament while attending Broomfield High, will be going to her first U.S. Women’s Publinks. However, she did play in the 2012 U.S. Girls’ Junior.

On Tuesday, Dorans overcame a double bogey on the third hole to punch her ticket to nationals.

“It’s really special (to qualify) because it’s the last one,” the 19-year-old sophomore-to-be said. “Being able to represent the public courses is an honor. (Qualifying for a USGA event) is unbelievable. They treat you so well and the courses they set up for you are great. It’s like, all your hard work has paid off.”

Dorans, winner of the 2011 CJGA Junior Series Championship, was happy with her solid performance Tuesday after she had struggled some in recent rounds.

“It’s good to have a good round under my belt,” she said. “I felt really good about today, especially coming off the last couple of rounds I had — which weren’t exactly what I wanted them to be. Playing solid today, with a lot of pars, felt really good.”

In her first Women’s Publinks qualifier, Smidinger had to sweat out advancing after being in very good position two-thirds of the way through her round on Tuesday. She was 1 under par through 12 holes, but bogeyed her next four before righting the ship to close with two pars.

“It’s exciting to go there and represent my school as well,” she said of DU. “And we’ll be a part of history in the last one, which is kind of exciting. I’m looking forward to it.”

This will be Smidinger’s fourth USGA championship, and she has the distinction of being one of the rare 64th seeds to beat out a medalist at the U.S. Women’s Amateur. That was in 2011, when she prevailed in a 5 players-for-1 spot playoff that earned her the final spot in match play. She then defeated co-medalist Jihee Kim in her first match before falling in the round of 32.

“That was a lot of fun,” said the two-time Maryland state high school champion. “Hopefully I can make it a little higher on the leaderboard (this time at the Publinks) so I don’t have to beat the No. 1 seed.”

U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Qualifying
At Par-72 Saddle Rock GC in Aurora

QUALIFIED FOR NATIONALS
Hannah Wood, Centennial 70
Taylor Dorans, Erie 75
Elyse Smidinger, Crofton, Md. 75
Mikayla Tatman, Fort Collins 75

ALTERNATES (In Order)
Morgan Sahm, Centennial 77
Somin Lee, Centennial 77

FAILED TO QUALIFY
Jennifer Kupcho, Westminster 77
Paige Crawford, Colorado Springs 78
Molly Dorans, Erie 79
Tori Glenn, Castle Pines 79
Kayla Riede, Colorado Springs 79
Mary Weinstein, Highlands Ranch 80
Amy Chitkoksoong, Aurora 82
Jenni Chun, Lone Tree 83
Jaylee Tait, Littleton 83
Shanon Spinuzzi, Pueblo 83
Julia Kim, Aurora 85
Jennifer Hocking, Colorado Springs 94
Savannah Walker, Denver 100
Delaney Benson, Littleton WD
Sydney Gillespie, Highlands Ranch WD
Tonya Hardman, Highlands Ranch WD
 

Apparently, Glenn herself is nowhere near satisfied with that.

The Valor Christian senior and University of Colorado women’s golf recruit not only advanced to state and is on the leaderboard, but she’s the outright leader after Monday’s first round of the meet at Broken Tee Golf Course.

Glenn shot a 2-over-par 74 in the rain and wind on Monday and grabbed a one-stroke advantage heading into Tuesday’s final round. She hit 17 greens in regulation and closed with a 1-under-par 35 on the back nine.

A former high-level gymnast, Glenn is one shot ahead of Taylor Dorans of Broomfield (pictured) and Jennifer Kupcho of Jefferson Academy heading into the final 18.

Glenn started playing golf as a sophomore, but just a year later she placed ninth at state. And now this year’s tournament is the future CU golfer’s to lose.

“You just keep on cutting strokes back and improving,” she said of her rapid progress in golf. “That’s all you can ask for in this game.”

It wasn’t long ago that Glenn had her sights set on a gymnastics scholarship at the University of Denver. But that was before she broke her right leg during her sophomore year at Valor Christian.

Just a few months after suffering the injury, she competed in golf at the junior varisty level — while wearing a cast on her leg.

“I was on one leg, hobbling around and hitting away,” she said. “When you love something it doesn’t matter what obstacle is in front of you. You’ll go for success no matter what.”

Glenn said she won “about” five high school tournaments this season and averaged 75. But after her 74 Monday, she thinks she’s capable of going even lower in Tuesday’s final round.

“I’m hoping I can go under tomorrow,” Glenn said. “I had three three-putts today; my distance control was off a lot. Tomorrow will be better. I’m excited.”

Likewise for the other contenders.

Dorans, a University of Wyoming golf signee, has finished fourth once and sixth twice in her previous trips to state. Kupcho, who placed third last year at state, had the lowest state-qualifying round this season — in either Class 4A or 5A — in firing a 67 at Fox Hollow in the 4A Metro-West Regional.

Dorans missed two putts inside of 4 feet in her first 10 holes, but finished strong, going 1 under in her last seven despite closing with a bogey.

“I feel really good,” she said. “I’m coming out here just playing for myself — having fun, enjoying it, because it’s my last high school tournament. I’m kind of just embracing it and doing what I can. I can’t control what the other girls are going to do, but as long as I play for myself, I’ll be happy.”

Meanwhile, Kupcho thinks if she gets her putting homed in, she’ll be in good shape on the final day.

“I hit everything good (on Monday), but I just couldn’t putt,” she said. “The first four holes I had 5-footers on every one and only made one.”

Cheyenne Mountain leads the 4A team competition by five strokes after Valor Christian’s Laura Cohan forgot a penalty stroke and signed for an incorrect score. Therefore, the team couldn’t use her total of 86 among its three best individual scores. Instead, it counted a 95. That dropped Valor from first to second place as it has a 253 total, compared to Cheyenne Mountain’s 248.

Cohan will be able to compete in Tuesday’s final round and her score can be used for VC’s second-day team total.

For 4A scores, CLICK HERE.

Cherry Creek’s Ringsby Leads 5A By Two in Grand Junction: Cherry Creek junior Calli Ringsby took a two-stroke lead at the halfway point of the 5A girls state tournament at Tiara Rado Golf Course in Grand Junction.

Ringsby, who swept the CWGA Junior Stroke Play and Junior Match Play championships last year, fired a 1-over-par 73 on Monday. The junior, who made three birdies and four bogeys in the opening round, is seeking her first state high school title after placing second in 2011 and fourth last year.

Three players share second place at 75 heading into Tuesday’s final round. University of Colorado signee Claudia Davis of Arapahoe is tied for that spot with Jenni Chun of Highlands Ranch and Michelle Romero of Rock Canyon.

Defending champion Mackenzie Cohen of Cherry Creek opened with an 82 and shares 20th place.

Two-time defending 5A state champion Cherry Creek shot a 236 and leads the team competition by three over Arapahoe.

For 5A scores, CLICK HERE.

The Bruins have also captured seven individual state championships over that period, including the first (by Jill McGill, who went on to win two USGA championships) and the last (Mackenzie Cohen).

Arapahoe, meanwhile, has claimed one state team title in girls golf (2010) and has never won the individual crown.

Considering how the Bruins and Warriors have dominated girls golf in the state recently, one or both schools figure to add to their trophy cases this year.

Cherry Creek and Arapahoe have monopolized the top two spots in the girls 5A state golf championships each of the last three years, with Creek winning the last two titles. And no one would be surprised if this year produced more of the same when the 5A meet is held Monday and Tuesday (May 20-21) at Tiara Rado Golf Course in Grand Junction.

Meanwhile, the 4A state tournament will be played those same days at Broken Tee Golf Course in Englewood.

Appropriately, the teams were separated by just one stroke at their state qualifying tournament, the Metro-East Regional at South Suburban Golf Course last week. And arguably the two favorites to win the 5A individual title, juniors Calli Ringsby of Cherry Creek and Hannah Wood of Arapahoe, placed 1-2 at that regional, with scores of 72 and 73, respectively. (Ringsby is pictured swinging above, while Wood is at left.)

Both golfers are in the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program at CommonGround Golf Course, which is owned and operated by the CGA and CWGA.

Ringsby won both the CWGA Junior Stroke and Junior Match Play Championships last year, and she was one of four girls who represented the U.S. in the USA-China Youth Golf Match last August. She’s finished second and fourth in her previous two 5A state tournaments.

Wood made an impression on the national stage in March when she won the prestigious Kathy Whitworth Invitational in Texas. In Colorado, she captured the CJGA Tournament of Champions last fall. At the 5A state meet, she’s placed 10th as a freshman and third last year.

Also a good bet to be in contention this year is University of Colorado signee Claudia Davis of Arapahoe, who’s had three top-11 finishes at state. Meanwhile, Cherry Creek’s Cohen, who pulled off a big surprise in winning the 5A individual championship last year, will defend her title.

At the 4A state meet at Broken Tee, Jennifer Kupcho of Jefferson Academy and Taylor Dorans of Broomfield figure to be the favorites for the individual title.

Kupcho, the 2012 CWGA Junior Player of the Year, won the CJGA 14-18 Junior Series Championship as a 15-year-old last year. She shot the lowest score at any regional — 4A or 5A — when she carded a 5-under-par 67 at Fox Hollow in the 4A Metro-West.

Dorans, who has signed to play college golf at the University of Wyoming, won the 4A Northern Regional title for the third time. She’s finished in the top six in each of her previous three trips to state.

Regis Jesuit, the 4A team champion a year ago, is now competing on the 5A level.

Here is a rundown of all the 2013 regional champions, and of the known college golf signees in the 5A and 4A fields.

2013 Regional Individual Champions — Calli Ringsby, Cherry Creek, 5A Metro-East Regional, 72; Jaylee Tait, Columbine, 5A Metro-West Regional, 74; Jennie Chun, Highlands Ranch, 5A Northern Regional, 74; Mary Kate Nelson, Pine Creek, 5A Colorado Springs Regional, 82; Jennifer Kupcho, Jefferson Academy, 4A Metro-West Regional, 67; Taylor Dorans, Broomfield, 4A Northern Regional, 76; Taylor Walters, Rifle, 4A Western Regional, 74; Gia Zupancic, Pueblo East, 4A Southern Regional, 80; Megan McCutcheon, Lewis Palmer, 4A Colorado Springs Regional, 84.

2013 Regional Team Champions — Arapahoe (5A Metro-East Regional); Dakota Ridge (5A Metro-West Regional); Fairview (5A Northern Regional); Central of Grand Junction (5A Colorado Springs Regional); Valor Christian (4A Metro-West Regional); Estes Park (4A Northern Regional); Pueblo West (4A Southern Regional); Montrose (4A Western Regional); Cheyenne Mountain (4A Colorado Springs Regional).

College Golf Signees in State Tournament Fields — Laura Cohan, Valor Christian (4A), Colorado Christian; Claudia Davis, Arapahoe (5A), University of Colorado; Taylor Dorans, Broomfield (4A), Wyoming; Maggie Geolat, Palmer Ridge (4A), CSU-Pueblo; Tori Glenn, Valor Christian (4A), CU; Megan McCambridge, Fairview (5A), Butler; Kelly Moran, Fairview (5A), William & Mary; Jordan Sunset, Fairview (5A), Northern Colorado; Rachel Sweeney, Mountain Vista (5A), Lewis, Ill.
 

The Makloski Express keeps on rolling through Colorado golf’s junior ranks.

Since the second week of October last year, Jimmy Makloski of Pueblo Country Club has certainly been the guy to beat in significant junior championships in Colorado.

After winning the CJGA Tournament of Champions in the fall, and the CGA Junior Stroke Play Championship in June, the 17-year-old collected more hardware on Tuesday when he captured the boys division title in the CJGA 14-18 Junior Series Championship.

The senior-to-be at Pueblo’s South High School shot a 3-under-par 68 on Tuesday — the lowest round of the tournament — and cruised to a six-stroke victory at The Ranch Country Club in Westminster.

“At the big tournaments where there’s good competition, I’ve played some of my best golf,” Makloski said. “It’s a good time to do it, I guess.”

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Jennifer Kupcho (pictured above) of Westminster carded the best round of the girls competition — by five shots — to rally for the title. Kupcho came into the day two strokes out of the lead, but a 3-under-par 69 turned things around in a hurry.

“I’m excited,” said the Jefferson Academy sophomore-to-be, “It was tough, but I did it.”

In the boys tournament, Makloski (pictured at left) made six birdies Tuesday in posting his second straight sub-par round. His 4-under-par 138 total was a half-dozen shots better than runner-up Jack Adolfson of The Fox Hill Club, who closed with a 70 on Tuesday.

Colin Prater of the Broadmoor Golf Club carded a 74 Tuesday for a 145 total, good for third place.

“Under par on this course is pretty good,” said Makloski, who finished 34th in the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships earlier this summer. “Those greens are awfully quick.

“Yesterday I didn’t hit it so great, but I always left it under the hole, so I made quite a few putts. Today I hit it a little better and made a bunch of good putts again (including an 8-footer for par that backed into the hole).

“Whenever you win it’s good, especially on a tough course like this against good players. It always feels good.”

As for Kupcho, she won a CJGA Junior Series Championship for the second time, having captured the 11-13 title in 2010. On Tuesday, she made six birdies en route to her 69, which gave her a 1-over-par 145 total for the tournament.

Defending champion Taylor Dorans of Eagle Trace Golf Club was the only player anywhere close to Kupcho as her final-round 74 left her four behind at 149. Hannah Wood of South Suburban Family Sports placed third at 154 after a closing 76.

Kupcho’s victory came just two days after her brother, Steven, captured low-amateur honors at the HealthOne Colorado Open, a tournament he led outright after two rounds.

On Tuesday, it was Jennifer’s time to shine. Only once before had she shot under 70, and that was at a much shorter course, so she considered what she did at The Ranch as his career-best round to date.

“I was excited,” said Kupcho, who noted she practiced on The Ranch’s greens during a session Monday evening. “I knew I was playing great and I didn’t let anything bother me. If I had a bogey I just kept playing. It was fun.

“I figured no one would shoot under par, so I thought if I could get a couple under par that would be good.”

Kupcho, who finished third in the 4A state high school tournament as a freshman, said Tuesday’s victory was her biggest accomplishment in golf.

Junior Series Championships for younger age groups will take place next week, with the tournament for 11-13 year olds set for The Homestead Golf Course in Lakewood Aug. 6-7, and the 10 & under event scheduled for Aug. 8 at Boulder Country Club.

CJGA 14-18 Junior Series Championship
At Ranch CC in Westminster

BOYS (Par-71)

Jimmy Makloski, Pueblo CC – 70-68–138
Jack Adolfson, The Fox Hill Club – 74-70–144
Colin Prater, Broadmoor GC – 71-74–145
Ethan Yamada, Omni Interlocken GC – 74-72–146
Andrew Romano, Colorado Golf Club – 74-73–147
Cole Nygren, Colorado National GC – 74-73–147
Andrew Vance, Raccoon Creek GC – 71-76–147
Dylan Wonnacott, Fox Hill Club, The – 77-71–148
Jack Cummings, Omni Interlocken Resort GC – 75-73–148
Sean Kato, Highland Hills Golf Course – 74-74–148
Ross Macdonald, Ridge at Castle Pines North – 74-75–149
Chris Weinstein, Green Valley Ranch GC – 75-75–150
Hunter Lee, Highlands Ranch Golf Club – 72-79–151
Kyler Dunkle, The Club at Pradera – 77-74–151
Li Chen, Legacy Ridge GC – 76-75–151
Chris Korte, The Links Golf Club – 74-77–151
Glenn Workman, Desert Hawk Golf Course – 73-79–152
Jake Staiano, Glenmoor Country Club – 76-77–153
Jackson Burke, South Suburban Family Sports Center – 75-78–153
Aj Ott, Ptarmigan CC – 81-75–156
Tyler Bricker, Ptarmigan Country Club – 78-78–156
Matthew Vacek, Indian Peaks Golf Club – 76-81–157
Matt Donohoe, South Suburban Golf Course – 82-76–158
Taylor Rodriguez, Elmwood Golf Course – 82-78–160
Kobe Padilla, Commonground Golf Course – 81-79–160
Josh Mclaughlin, Loveland – 80-80–160
Troy Dangler, Tiara Rado Golf Course – 79-83–162
Dylan Hall, Cherokee Ridge GC – 86-78–164
Collin Tedesco, Plum Creek Golf & C.C. – 80-87–167
Erik Young, Commonground Golf Course – 85-84–169
Kevin Wohlfarth, Green Valley Ranch G – 81-92–173

GIRLS (Par-72)
Jennifer Kupcho, Commonground Golf Course – 76-69–145
Taylor Dorans, Eagle Trace Lga – 75-74–149
Hannah Wood, South Suburban Family Sports – 78-76–154
Gillian Vance, Raccoon Creek Men’s Club – 78-78–156
Sydney Merchant, Red Rocks CC Lga – 78-80–158
Dani Urman, Meridian Golf Club – 80-78–158
Megan McCambridge, Boulder CC Wga – 75-85–160
Mary Weinstein, Green Valley Ranch Wga – 83-78–161
Kelly Moran, Boulder CC Wga – 74-88–162
Morgan Sahm, Saddle Rock Golf Course – 80-87–167
Alexandria Trask, Colorado National Wga – 77-93–170
Adara Pauluhn, Haystack Mountain GC – 82-88–170
Delaney Elliott, Coal Creek Wga – 89-82–171
Jaylee Tait, Raccoon Creek – 88-86–174
Joanna Kempton, Lone Tree Lga – 89-86–175
Nayoun Kim, South Suburban Family Sports – 96-91–187
Sydney Gillespie, Valley CC Wga – 79-WD