WATCHUNG, N.J. – Duke women’s golf rising sophomore Katie Li hoisted another trophy on Thursday as she claimed the 99th New Jersey State Golf Association Women’s Amateur at the Watchung Valley Golf Club in Watchung, N.J.
Li, who hails from Basking Ridge, N.J., registered a 4&3 victory over Ami Gianchandani to claim the title. After knocking her approach close on No. 2 for a tap-in birdie, Li took a 1UP lead in the championship match. Gianchandani evened the match with a birdie of her own on No. 3.
The Duke All-ACC selection as a rookie drained another birdie putt on No. 5 to regain a 1UP lead. She kept her foot on the gas, winning holes No. 8 and No. 9 with birdies to take a 3UP lead going into the turn.
After the turn, Li and Gianchandani tied the next three holes with pars.
Li continued to apply pressure on the back nine. She hit a dart into the punchbowl green on No. 13, a 128-yard, par-3. Both Li and Gianchandani had birdie putts as Gianchandani left hers a bit short, but Li took advantage of the opportunity and sunk her birdie putt for a 4UP lead with five holes to play.
Gianchandani fought back, winning the ensuing hole with a birdie.
Li closed the match on No. 15, a drivable par-4. Both eyeing eagle putts, Gianchandani had an uphill 50-foot putt, which scooted past the hole by a few feet. With an opportunity to close out the match, Li did just that. She drained a 40-foot eagle putt to lock in her victory.
Both Li and Gianchandani were co-medalists following 36 holes of stroke play as the duo shot a 1-over, 145.
In the round of 16 of match play, Li totaled a 2&1 victory over Lily Patel and then collected a 4&2 win over Samantha Perrotta in the quarterfinals. Li registered a 7&5 win in the semifinals against Alyssa Roland to move into the championship match.
With the victory, Li earned an exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at Southern Hills Country Club from August 5-11, 2024.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women’s golf, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching “https://goduke.com/news/2024/6/27/DukeWGOLF”.
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