What a rollercoaster ride at the Kroger Queen City Championship! Amanda Doherty had a sensation within her grasp on Saturday at Maketewah Country Club – with a solid 1-under 69, she secured sole second place heading into the final showdown. Only three strokes separated the 28-year-old from then-leader Lottie Woad. Jin Young Ko was already lurking close behind, applying pressure.
The Dream of a First Title
Doherty, who has been on the LPGA Tour since 2022, is still awaiting her first tour title. But this Saturday felt like the prelude to something great. The LPGA Tour itself highlighted her performance and spoke of the opportunity she had earned with her "limited starts". Expectations among golf fans were accordingly high – would she celebrate her breakthrough?
The Finale: Woad Triumphs, Doherty in the Top 5
In the final exchange of shots, things really heated up. Lottie Woad played another 1-under 69 and clinched the victory with a two-stroke lead – a truly strong performance by the leader. Doherty fought tenaciously, but had to watch as Jin Young Ko shook up the leaderboard once again with a brilliant round of 65. In the end, Amanda Doherty finished in a tie for fifth place. An absolute statement!
Even though it wasn't enough for the big win, this top-5 finish at the Kroger Queen City Championship is a clear statement. Doherty has shown that she has the potential to compete at the very top and challenge the established players. It will be exciting to see when her first victory on the LPGA Tour actually comes.
