A rookie on the Epson Tour, Amanda Doherty (Atlanta, Georgia) found her game early this week at Battle Creek Country Club in carding a 6-under 66 to tie the current lead in the clubhouse.
“I hit the ball, I hit really well the front I made some more putts umm the back I hit it really close, and they didn't all go in, but you know enough went in and it won't make ‘em all on the first day, I guess,” said Doherty. “I lipped out a ton of like 15 to 25 footers. That's good when you're putting yourself close. It’s stress-free but frustrating at the same time.”
Doherty is currently No. 8 in the Race for the Card with $57,626. In twelve starts this season, Doherty made 10 cuts with five top-10 finishes. Her season best so far was solo-second after a playoff at the IOA Golf Classic presented by RP Funding.
Last season, this event in Battle Creek was her first tournament in her Epson Tour career. Both Doherty and her father remember enjoying the course, and he is back again caddying for her this week.
“I remember a lot of the course from last year. I particularly remember the tree on 15. It doesn't exactly fit my natural shot shape. But I really like this golf course it's in great shape,” said Doherty. “I enjoy having my dad (here). We have fun. It helps me if somebody is keeping a good mood,” said Doherty. “He’s caddied for me most of the time and he’ll probably caddy a bunch the rest of the season, so it’ll be fun.”
IACOBELLI FEELS AT HOME IN BATTLE CREEK
After missing five consecutive cuts, Daniela Iacobelli (Melbourne, Florida) has made the last two. She started her day with back-to-back birdies on No. 1 and 2 to help her finish at 6-under and currently tied for the lead with play to finish tomorrow morning.
“Golf has been hard the last few weeks. But you know keep plugging and something shows up sometimes,” said Iacobelli. “We all just keep trying to find it and keep it and it's disgusting how quickly you can lose it. But then it shows up and you get all happy again. You know this is why I do this.”
Iacobelli may have Florida listed as home, but she spent years in her childhood in the Midwest. From tournaments such as the Island Resort Championship, where she won in 2019, to the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship, she enjoys not only the courses but the peoples surrounding the events as well.
“I just love the vibes it's not that far from where I grew up. Probably an hour and a half maybe. So, it reminds me of the Michigan golf courses that I played as a kid,” said Iacobelli. “I've made friends with the pro shop staff, the restaurant, I mean Kathy George is such a spectacular job out here.”
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