Sue Wooster and Shelly Stouffer squared off in the final Thursday in the first-ever U.S. Golf Association championship held in the state of Alaska.
The 18-hole final of the 60th U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur at Anchorage Golf Course pitted an Australian, Wooster, against a Canadian, Stouffer. Wooster was making her third appearance in the final in the last four years but still seeking her first title.
On Wednesday, each golfer eliminated an American in the semifinals, with Wooster rallying from 3 down to take out Christie Blasi of Missouri, 3 and 2. Stouffer defeated Kathy Hartwiger of Alabama, 4 and 3.
In Thursday’s final, Stouffer took a 5-up lead through nine holes before ultimately winning 4 and 3. Wooster, 60, won her only hole, the 14th, late in the round, but it was too little, too late. Through all six matches, Stouffer, 52, never saw the 17th or 18th hole.
She is the fourth Canadian to win this senior event—eighth in all to win a USGA title—and she did so with her 15-year-old son Brett working as her caddie all week.
“He knows my game because we play a lot together,” said Stouffer. “He was helping with reading the greens. He knows my clubs. He was awesome. He kept me calm.”
Alaska is 50th state to host
In 2012, the Golf Club of New England in Stratham, New Hampshire, held the U.S. Junior Amateur, giving the USGA championships in 49 of the 50 states. With Anchorage Golf Course hosting this week, Alaska makes it complete, fulfilling former USGA CEO Mike Davis’ long-held vision.
The course delivers the views you might expect in scenic Alaska. It’s a public golf course designed by Bill Newcomb that sits on a hillside overlooking the city of Anchorage. The fairways are rolling and tree-lined, and the views of surrounding mountain ranges – including Denali, the highest peak in North America – are stunning.
Anchorage Golf Club is No. 1 on the list of Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play, state by state, for Alaska.
