Colorado University Athletics
Kirsty Hodgkins
Photo by: CUBuffs.com
Hodgkins Wins 105th CGA Women’s Match Play Championship
July 16, 2020 | Women's Golf
FIRESTONE, Colo. — In the final between a pair of Buffaloes, it was current University of Colorado senior Kirsty Hodgkins who came away victorious, defeating former Buff Erin Houtsma 4&3 in the 36-hole final of the 105th CGA Women's Match Play Championship Thursday.
Both played a very solid first round at Saddleback Golf Club. They played a square first hole but Hodgkins took a 1 up lead on No. 2. Houtsma fought back to even the match on the following hole and took her own 1 up advantage on No. 4. The match would be square two more times in the front nine before Houtsma would earn a 1 up lead that she would carry from No. 8 to No. 13.
At that point, the tide shifted slightly to Hodgkins, as she won the next two holes to take a 1 up lead. Houtsma was not going to let go that easily and won No. 16 to square the match again, which is where it would stay for another hole. Hodgkins won the final hole of the round to take a 1 up lead into the second 18.
The second round continued to favor Hodgkins, despite Houtsma coming back to square the match on No. 2. Hodgkins won the fourth and fifth holes to take a 2 up advantage and would never let go of the lead from that point. Houtsma would get back within one, but during the second back nine, Hodgkins started to pull back away and finished her final four holes by sinking three birdies and making one par for the 4&3 victory. But Hodgkins wasn't just battling Houtsma in the last few holes, she was also battling the wind, which had picked up significantly.
"It was a very big a factor," Hodgkins said. "I had to club up in the final two holes. [No.] 16 is a very tough shot across the water if you want to go for the reachable par-4 and I did not want to play that hole in the wind. So I really wanted to finish the match when I did on that birdie."
Hodgkins is now the second Buff on an active CU roster to win the tournament. Michelle Thomas, who played for CU from 1995-99, won in 1998.
"To be the first Buff to win this tournament in 22 years is quite special," Hodgkins said.
CU head coach Anne Kelly was able to watch the Buff vs. Buff match and enjoyed seeing the match-up.
"It was exciting and so much fun for me to come watch them," Kelly said. "I have so many great memories of Erin. She was a great player for us. And I'm so happy for Kirsty getting this win. She's been working really hard this summer. It's hard to see one of them win and one of them lose, but at least at Buff won."
In the senior women's championship, Kristine Franklin successfully defended her title, defeating Kimberly Eaton 3&2 for her fourth straight CGA women's senior major. Franklin is married to CU associate head coach Brent Franklin, making it a sweep for the Buffs at the tournament.
Both played a very solid first round at Saddleback Golf Club. They played a square first hole but Hodgkins took a 1 up lead on No. 2. Houtsma fought back to even the match on the following hole and took her own 1 up advantage on No. 4. The match would be square two more times in the front nine before Houtsma would earn a 1 up lead that she would carry from No. 8 to No. 13.At that point, the tide shifted slightly to Hodgkins, as she won the next two holes to take a 1 up lead. Houtsma was not going to let go that easily and won No. 16 to square the match again, which is where it would stay for another hole. Hodgkins won the final hole of the round to take a 1 up lead into the second 18.
The second round continued to favor Hodgkins, despite Houtsma coming back to square the match on No. 2. Hodgkins won the fourth and fifth holes to take a 2 up advantage and would never let go of the lead from that point. Houtsma would get back within one, but during the second back nine, Hodgkins started to pull back away and finished her final four holes by sinking three birdies and making one par for the 4&3 victory. But Hodgkins wasn't just battling Houtsma in the last few holes, she was also battling the wind, which had picked up significantly.
"It was a very big a factor," Hodgkins said. "I had to club up in the final two holes. [No.] 16 is a very tough shot across the water if you want to go for the reachable par-4 and I did not want to play that hole in the wind. So I really wanted to finish the match when I did on that birdie."Hodgkins is now the second Buff on an active CU roster to win the tournament. Michelle Thomas, who played for CU from 1995-99, won in 1998.
"To be the first Buff to win this tournament in 22 years is quite special," Hodgkins said.
CU head coach Anne Kelly was able to watch the Buff vs. Buff match and enjoyed seeing the match-up.
"It was exciting and so much fun for me to come watch them," Kelly said. "I have so many great memories of Erin. She was a great player for us. And I'm so happy for Kirsty getting this win. She's been working really hard this summer. It's hard to see one of them win and one of them lose, but at least at Buff won."
In the senior women's championship, Kristine Franklin successfully defended her title, defeating Kimberly Eaton 3&2 for her fourth straight CGA women's senior major. Franklin is married to CU associate head coach Brent Franklin, making it a sweep for the Buffs at the tournament.
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