Stratton Crowned Amateur Champion

(Gallatin)  Rising Vanderbilt senior, Lauren Stratton of Spring Hill claimed the 72nd annual Tennessee Women’s Amateur title this morning in her final match against Ashley Averitt from Oakland at Foxland Harbor Golf and Country Club.  After defeating defending champion and teammate Kendall Martindale in the semi-finals, Stratton clinched the title over Averitt with a 4 & 2 victory.

“I am so proud to represent the state and to have my name engraved on this trophy.  There are so many great names already on here and to share this award with them is memorable,” said Stratton of her win.

Throughout the majority of the front nine, Stratton and Averitt battled back and forth.  For the first time throughout match play for the event, Stratton was 1 down after three holes but birdied the sixth and seventh to briefly regain the lead before losing the eighth.  An errant tee shot on the par-4 ninth hole, forced Averitt to return to the tee for a lost ball which ultimately swung the momentum in Stratton’s favor.  “She had missed several shots left, and after her tee shot went right, I knew I just had to keep my ball in play.  I wanted her to beat me by making birdies,” commented Stratton.

Stratton’s steady play led to wins on the ninth, tenth, twelfth, and thirteenth holes.  Averitt recovered one on the fourteenth after Stratton left her approach from the fairway bunker in the greenside hazard.  With pars on the par-3 fifteenth, Stratton had Averitt dormie on 16.  A solid par on the uphill par-4 gave Stratton the win.

“Never having seen Ashley play, I knew I couldn’t be surprised by anything today.  I just tried to stay consistent and not to press too much early in the round.  When I went 4 up with five to play, I thought that it was time to put the pedal to the metal and finish the match,” said Stratton.

Stratton moved to Tennessee from Washington in 2005 before beginning her high school career, and this was her first appearance in the Tennessee Women’s Amateur Championship.  Although she is planning to turn professional following the conclusion of her collegiate career, Stratton is planning to defend her title next summer when the event is hosted at Vanderbilt’s home course at the Vanderbilt Legends Club.

Also completing play today, in the Championship Consolation final match, Nashville’s Megan Grehan defeated Beth Miller of Collierville 4 & 2.  In the First Flight, Megan Williamson beat Natalie Turk 2 up and in the First Flight Consolation Flight match, Megan Beane defeated Karin Rader-Carson 4 & 3.

Click here to view complete results from the 72nd Annual Tennessee Women's Amateur Championship.