Potter-Bobb’s lead was cut to one shot and when Benge sunk a 25-foot birdie putt at the 12th, they were tied. “My turning point was my long putt on twelve,” said Benge. “That shift in momentum gave me a little bit more confidence with the rest of my putts coming in and I felt it was really key.” Both women secured birdies on the 15th hole. A birdie by Potter-Bobb at the 16th left the two players tied once again. However, Potter-Bobb had bunker issues on the 17th hole, which resulted in a bogey. Benge rolled in a birdie putt, which was a two-shot swing on the 17th giving her a two-stroke cushion going into the final hole. Benge emerged as the 2023 IWGA Amateur Champion for the first time, after both players parred the final hole. Potter-Bobb had nothing but praise for Benge. “Kayla played amazing, and she hit the ball where she needed to,” added Potter-Bobb. “She really didn’t miss and that’s what you have to do out here. I wasn’t able to do that for the third day.” Benge has been in contention to win the IWGA Amateur a handful of times, but this was times, whether that’s been after round one or two but I’ve never been able to close it out. I feel like such a different person now than the previous times that I have competed. I feel more at ease, more confident in who I am as a player, and I just played to my strengths this week.” her first time finishing in the winner’s circle. “This is really, really incredible. This has been on my list of things I want to win, and I think the only thing left now that I haven’t won is the Indiana PGA Women’s Open,” said Benge. “I’ve led this event a couple of
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ2Nzk4