Miami, Florida: Tuttle Takes Charge in the Dixie Amateur
What an electrifying day it was at the Dixie Amateur as players battled it out in Miami, and all eyes were on a star named Savannah Tuttle, who pulled ahead of the competition with her fantastic performance. Tuttle ended her third round at even par, thanks to an incredible eagle on hole No. 14, where she holed her approach shot on the par-4! Talk about a moment of glory!
With rounds of 74, 72, and 70, Tuttle has worked hard to climb the leaderboard, proving her skills as she navigates the tournament with grace and impressive finesse. “It felt amazing to see that ball roll right in after my shot. It definitely gave me a boost,” Tuttle stated, radiating excitement. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; she also faced challenges with two bogeys thrown into the mix alongside her two birdies. Still, she maintained her composure and kept her eyes on the prize.
Sakashita Hot on Her Trail
Right on Tuttle’s heels is Isaki Sakashita from Deland, Florida, holding a spot in solo second at 1-over par. Sakashita has had her fair share of ups and downs as well, with rounds of 76, 71, and 70 showcasing her capabilities. The competition is heating up, and the battle for the top spot is far from over.
But wait, the excitement doesn’t stop there! We have Faith Choi from Frederick, Maryland, and Ava Bunker from Edinburgh, Indiana, tied for third at 2-over par. Both are seasoned players who have shown they can handle the pressure as this thrilling tournament progresses.
Avery McCrery’s Tumultuous Transition
Speaking of pressure, 36-hole leader and Duke commit, Avery McCrery, has seen better days. After a tough third round that scored her a 4-over 76, she now finds herself tied for eighth place at 5-over par. The young golfer will need to pull up her socks and deliver her best game if she hopes to reclaim her spot near the top.
Dixie Amateur: A Rich History of Greatness
The Dixie Amateur is a shining jewel in Florida’s golf scene, originating back in 1924 at the old Miami Country Club. Over the years, it has attracted all-around talented amateur golfers while enhancing Florida’s reputation as a must-visit golf destination. Historical winners include several noteworthy names like Doug Ford, a future Masters Champion, showcasing just how prestigious this tournament truly is.
After a brief hiatus in 1953, the Dixie returned in 1962 and has been showcasing top-tier players ever since! It has moved through various courses in South Florida, with names such as The Links at Key Biscayne and Bonaventure Resort among the list of hosts. Notably, a shift to a December schedule in 1990 opened the door for many collegiate golfers, amplifying the tournament’s competitive nature.
But let’s not forget the women’s division, which was introduced in 2002, attracting strong female amateurs from around the globe. The inaugural champion, Meaghan Francella, squeaked by to defeat the rising star Paula Creamer. In a remarkable twist, Lexi Thompson took home the title in 2007, becoming the youngest winner of an LPGA event at just 16 years old. Quite the legacy!
As they play on, the stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable at the Dixie Amateur. Golf fans are surely in for a treat as Tuttle, Sakashita, and others aim for gold!
