After 36 holes, the field of 156 golfers has been whittled to the top 64 for match play. Rose Zhang blitzed the field on Tuesday with an 8-under 62 to earn medalist honors, with her sights set on a second USGA title in as many years.

Whoever joins the likes of Mickey Wright, Hollis Stacy, Nancy Lopez, Inbee Park and Lexi Thompson in taking home the Glenna Collett Vare Trophy will need to survive six matches over four days, including a 36-hole final, in temperatures that are forecasted to be above 90 degrees, with Heat Indexes over 100, for the remainder of the week.

Here are 3 things to look for in match play:

Medalist Musings

As the reigning U.S. Women’s Amateur champion and top-ranked amateur in the world, Zhang came into the week as one of the favorites. Through 36 holes of stroke play, she’s done nothing to disprove that notion. On the strength of four consecutive birdies from Nos. 18 through 3, Zhang shot past Xin (Cindy) Kou to earn medalist honors.

But just how much of an advantage is being the No. 1 seed in the Girls’ Junior? Three of the last four medalists have advanced to the semifinals, but it has been a decade since the top seed has won the Vare Trophy, when Ariya Jutanugarn prevailed. Over the past 20 years, No. 1 seeds have won four times and have never lost in the Round of 64. While history would seem to favor a deep run from Zhang, match play always brings unpredictability.

Closing Stretch

The majority of matches over the coming days will be decided on one of the final three holes. At Columbia C.C., the holes’ variety and challenge will provide the stage for an exciting finish.

Legend has it that Bob Jones liked the par-3 16th at Columbia so much, it inspired his creation of the renowned 12th at Augusta National Golf Club. This 151-yard hole offers a birdie opportunity, but plenty of trouble lurks, with two bunkers and a penalty area guarding the green. It yielded the most birdies of any hole on the inward nine (40), but also dispensed 15 triple bogeys or worse, accounting for more than one-third of the “others” in stroke play.

At 287 yards, the 17th is the shortest par 4 on the course, but it can produce just as many bogeys and double bogeys as birdie and eagle chances. Players need to carry water off the tee, then navigate four bunkers that front the elevated green with a blind approach. The closing hole plays back toward Columbia’s stunning clubhouse. The uphill second shot requires precision, as putting can be a challenge on the four-tiered green surrounded by a natural amphitheater, where fans will be gathered for matches that come down to the 360-yard par 4.

Experience Matters

Because of the age limit in the U.S. Girls’ Junior, most players only get a few shots at winning the title. Compare that to the U.S. Amateur or U.S. Open, which have no age limits, and in theory provide competitors dozens of opportunities to win the championship.

But experience in this championship does have its benefits. Zoe Antoinette Campos (No. 11 seed) and Alexa Pano (No. 28) both are making their fourth start in the Girls’ Junior. In fact, the last time a player won the championship in her first appearance was Minjee Lee in 2012. Look for veteran competitors to have an edge in match play.

Mike Trostel is the executive producer of content for the USGA. Email him at mtrostel@usga.org.