By Mike Zacchio
Ellen Oswald of New City captured the 83rd New York State Women’s Amateur Championship at Seneca Falls Country Club Thursday afternoon after carding an even-par 72 in the final round.
Oswald, who was making her tournament debut, shot rounds of 75 on Tuesday and 72 on Wednesday, putting her position to win the title by five strokes over Sara Eichelberger of Rochester.
“I was a little nervous going into the tournament because I didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “I didn’t know what kind of field it would be or how many people would be there.”
Oswald, 22, added that she was also “excited” for the tournament, noting that her brother, Eddie, 19, would be caddying for her.
“I played well the first round, even though I double-bogeyed the final hole,” said Oswald, a Clarkstown South graduate. “Eddie kept telling me, ‘Keep it together — you got this.’”
The Westchester Country Club member held a two-stroke lead after two rounds, giving her a bit of confidence going into the final 18 holes. Still, she remained cautious.
“Anything can happen in golf,” she said. “I’m glad it wasn’t too close at the end.”
Oswald, a four-year starter and recent graduate of St. John’s University, was a four-time academic All-American. Oswald competed in all 36 events for the Red Storm, lowering her scoring average each year.