Chun Earns Runner-up Finish at U.S. Women’s Amateur

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. — After becoming the first Wolverine in the championship match at the U.S. Women’s Amateur, University of Michigan women’s golfer Monet Chun fell 11&9 to Japan’s Saki Baba today (Sunday, August 14) and closed as the runner-up at the prestigious amateur event played at Chambers Bay.

Throughout her run, Chun became the first Michigan women’s golfer to advance to the Elite Eight, Final Four and championship match. She was the first Wolverine to reach the semifinal since Nick Carlson’s 2016 inspiring run at Oakland Hills.

Chun also became the first Wolverine to reach a U.S. Amateur final match in 66 years, following U-M men’s golf legend Chuck Kocsis in 1956. Additionally, Chun became the third Michigan golfer to reach the title match after fellow U-M men’s golf legend John Fischer won the 1936 event in 37 holes at the Garden City Golf Club in New York.

With her runner-up finish, Chun earned an exemption for the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open (Pebble Beach Golf Links) and will be exempt from qualifying for the next three U.S. Women’s Amateurs, if she remains eligible.

In the opening quarter of the 36-hole championship match, Baba’s aggressive style employed the entire championship remained in full effect. She won six of the first eight holes to build an early 5-up lead heading to the first turn. Despite Chun finding a rhythm halving seven back nine holes, Baba continued and carried a 7-up lead into break between 18 holes.

Starting the second 18 trailing by seven, she made a push winning two of the first three holes before Baba seized control of the match and claimed the title, winning six straight to win the Robert Cox Trophy with an 11&9 victory.

One of three Wolverines to qualify for the 2022 event at Chambers Bay, Chun, along with Ashley Kim advanced to match play. Chun closed the 36-hole stroke play tying for 53rd (76-73/149), while Kim tied for 46th (77-71/148). Wolverine Anika Dy, who tied for 61st (75-75/150) nearly advanced as she was part of an 8-for-4 playoff for a spot in match play. Unfortunately, she fell in the final 3-for-1 spot and did not move forward.

As the No. 53 seed in her first U.S. Women’s Amateur, Chun opened her dramatic run with a 1-up upset victory over No. 12 seed Lauren Gomez (Pepperdine). Trailing by one after seven holes, Chun won three of the next five holes to take a 2-up lead heading to the 13th hole. Despite Gomez winning the 16th, Chun held on for…