Semple Thompson Churns Along

By Mike Ewald, USGA

Knoxville, Tenn. -- Carol Semple Thompson, one of the most storied amateur players in golf history, is aiming to win her third U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur Championship this year at Holston Hills Country Club. 

With 10 one-putts Friday, Semple Thompson opened her first round of stroke play with a 3-over 75.

"A lot of those putts were to save par, but I am happy with 75," said Semple Thompson. "Another 75 tomorrow should get me into match play."

If history is any indication, Semple Thompson is a shoo-in for match play that begins Sunday. Not only has Semple Thompson played in every U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur since its inception in 1987, but she has qualified for match play in all of them as well.

A two-time champion of the Mid-Amateur in 1990 and 1997, Semple Thompson also won the 1973 U.S. Women's Amateur and four consecutive U.S. Senior Women's Amateurs from 1999-2002.  She also holds the record for number of Curtis Cup appearances with 12. This year's Mid-Amateur marks her 98th USGA championship. 

With all those competitions, one would think she prepares differently for each. Well, sort of. She said the Women's Amateur is the most intense when compared to the Mid-Amateur and USGA Women's Senior Amateur.

"The physical preparation is the same," she said. "I am always working to smooth out my swing.  Mentally, the Mid-Amateur is more relaxing and fun for me."

Semple Thompson seems to have her work cut out for her as she prepares for the second round of stroke play on Saturday. That's if she wants to be the medalist. Twenty-seven-year-old Shannon Ogg of Seattle, Wash., fired a 1-under 71 to set the pace for the field. 

"Seventy-one is a great score on this course," said Semple Thompson. "It is as good as a lot of pros would do."

Mike Ewald is a second-year Fellow with the USGA's Grants and Fellowship program. E-mail him with questions or comments at mewald@usga.org .