2019 Yearbook.indd

38 | IOWA WOMEN’S AMATEUR I n just her first year competing, West Des Moines’ Paige Hoffman left little to chance in the final round of the 95th Iowa Women’s Amateur Championship. Hoffman, who entered the final round in the lead, at Otter Creek Golf Course, fired a 68 (-3) to pull away from the field and win by four shots. After a second round where her irons weren’t solid, Hoffman found her grove and was able to give herself chances all day long. “Actually, on the front nine I was hitting my irons really well and missed a couple birdie putts (I should of made).” Solid iron play and clutch putting helped the Valley High School junior-to-be hoist the trophy in the end. She was able to make putts that allowed her to keep her momentum going, making five birdies on the day. Regardless of how far into the championship she was, Hoffman stayed focused and took it one shot at a time. After her birdie on the 10th during the final round, she had to remind herself there was still a lot of golf yet to be played, “It wasn’t time to think about winning. You can’t get ahead of yourself, that’s where the big numbers come from.” Three players finished tied for runner-up, including defending champion Sierra Hargens OTTER CREEK GOLF COURSE, ANKENY JULY 22-24, 2019 Hoffman wins 95th Iowa Women’s Amateur in first try 95th Iowa Women's Amateur Champion, Paige Hoffman of West Des Moines