The four quarterfinal matches are on the course this morning and the match to keep an eye on is Jessica Korda against tri-medalist Erynne Lee. This has the makings of a fantastic duel. Korda, a 2010 USA Curtis Cup member, has had three grinding matches so far, including a 20-hole marathon Thursday afternoon against Lisa McCloskey, the runner-up at the 2010 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links and the North and South Women's Amateur. Lee was a semifinalist in this championship two years ago. I expect this one to go the distance.
The Women's Amateur has not produced a Canadian champion since Cathy Sherk in 1978. Incidentally, it's also the last time a mid-amateur (25 years and older) won this title. Sherk was 28. The only other Canadian to win the Women's Amateur was World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit. Jennifer Kirby and Stephanie Sherlock could join that elite list. Both golfers are leading their quarterfinal matches early.
Danielle Kang also has gotten an early jump on Sydnee Michaels in their Southern California duel. Interestingly enough, Michaels edged Kang by two strokes at the recent Canadian Women's Amateur in Kingsville, Ontario. But that was stroke play. This is match play. A much different animal. -- David Shefter