Molly Smith made history in her home state Tuesday.
The rising college freshman shot 1-over 73 at Andover Country Club to qualify for the Massachusetts Amateur Championship. Smith is believed to be the first woman to ever qualify for the championship in its 115-year history.
Tripp Hollister won the qualifier with a 4-under 68. A total of seven players in the field of 83 advanced to the Massachusetts Amateur, which is July 10-14 at Essex County Club in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Andover Country Club was played at 6,639 yards.
Last month, the 18-year-old Smith made headlines when she fired a 2-under 70 to miss the cut by a shot at a U.S. Open local qualifier at LeBaron Hills Country Club in Lakeville, Massachusetts.
Breaking News
Molly Smith becomes the first known woman to qualify for the Massachusetts Amateur Championship in its 115 year history. She did so today at Andover CC. Tomorrow she’ll attempt to qualify for the @uswomensopen. #MassGolf
Results: https://t.co/4LPT93TXR0 pic.twitter.com/IIup0Txj3G
— Mass Golf (@PlayMassGolf) June 7, 2023
Smith, who will compete for Central Florida starting this fall, headed next to Duxbury Yacht Club on Wednesday for a 36-hole U.S. Women’s Open qualifier along with sister Morgan. Molly shot 72 in the first round, while Morgan shot 75.
Molly begins her second round five shots behind leader Perrine Delacour. A total of three players will advance to the Women’s Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, July 6-9.