Kylie Eaton Becomes Two-Time Champion
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
CRANSTON – Before Kylie Eaton learned the results of the x-ray on her left ankle, she told the doctor, no matter what, she wasn't going to miss the Women's State Amateur Championship.
"I'm going to play," she told the doctor.
Fortunately, Eaton only suffered a bone bruise, but was still required to wear a walking boot, including while she played, but it didn't stop her from becoming a two-time Women's State Amateur champion. A member of Kirkbrae Country Club and a sophomore at the University of Illinois, Eaton defeated Alise Knudson, 2&1, in the finals Friday at Alpine Country Club.
"Great," she said when asked how she felt about her victory. "Overall, it was a good week with a lot of birdies. Alise played really well, but I'm glad I came out on top today."
Knudson, who recently graduated from Furman University, was the stroke play medalist after shooting 6-under 67 on Monday and played well from start to finish. She presented a major challenge for Eaton, but she brought her best game and never trailed in the championship match. Even when Knudson began to gain momentum, Eaton stifled it en route to victory.
Eaton also won the 2022 Women's State Amateur Championship with a 4&2 victory over Morgan MacLeod at Wanumetonomy Golf & Country Club.
"I love playing in this event, especially now that I don't live at home anymore," Eaton said. "Coming back to Rhode Island and having this on the calendar every year, and the RIGA does a great job, and getting to see everyone always at this event means a lot. To play well is just a bonus."
While the boot felt a bit uncomfortable, it did not hamper Eaton's ability to play her game and play it well.
"It's different. I feel a little lopsided and can't pivot, but other than that it's all good," she said with a smile.
Eaton defeated her younger sister, Adriana, 3&2, in the semifinals on Thursday, but that didn't stop her from caddying in the championship match.
"It was great," Kylie said. "She knows exactly what to say, keeps me calm, keeps me motivated, and after a tough hole she gets me back in the match."
Even though Eaton attends school in the Midwest, she remains tight with her Rhode Island ties. In fact, she was supporting her high school alma mater, while sporting a Moses Brown visor, along with an Illinois golf shirt. Eaton, along with every player in the field, was also impressed with the conditions all week at Alpine Country Club.
"Amazing," she said. "I haven't played it since the renovations, but the greens were really pure. The rough was really thick, but it was healthy, and unfortunately I found myself in it a few times, but (Alpine's) in amazing shape. It was a pleasure to play here."
In the Senior Championship Division, Martha Clancy, of Potowomut GC, defeated Melissa Hem, of Point Judith CC, 2&1. Clancy battled all week. Not only did she dethrone two-time defending champion, Angel MacLeod, Clancy also registered a hole-in-one during that match. She was on target and focused the entire week.
"Oh, my God, I'm over the moon," she said. "I'm so excited. I love to compete, but all these ladies are such good golfers, and they can blow the ball by me, so on a lot of holes I said to myself, 'stay cool' or 'hang tough' and I got lucky my game showed up here and there. I didn't think that I would ever win."
In the Net Championship Division, Norma Taylor, of Jamestown GC, defeated Lisa Corrigan, of Kirkbrae CC, 5&4.
"It's so exciting," Taylor said. "I came here, thinking just play one match at a time, play one hole at a time, and I stayed pretty calm and consistent, so I'm pretty happy with how I played overall. The course is absolutely beautiful and I'm really pleased, really happy."
