MARGARET SHIRLEY WINS US WOMEN'S MID-AM TITLE

By Christina Lance, USGA

NOBLESVILLE, Indiana– Stroke-play medalist Margaret Shirley never trailed en route to a 5-and-3 win over defending champion Julia Potter in the 2014 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, conducted at the 6,117-yard, par-72 Harbour Trees Golf Club.
“It just doesn't feel real right now,” said Shirley, who was runner-up to Potter in 2013. “It's obviously the pinnacle of our sport, a USGA championship, and to be able to say I'm a USGA champion now is incredible.” 
“I was going to need birdies to beat her,” said Potter, who was trying to become just the fourth back-to-back Women’s Mid-Amateur champion. 
“I just wasn't knocking them close enough or really sinking putts to be able to put any pressure on her. She played an amazing front nine, an amazing round and she's much deserving of this championship.”
Shirley, 28, of Atlanta, joins Carol Semple Thompson (1997), Ellen Port (2000) and Potter (2013) as the only stroke-play medalists (leading match-play qualifiers) to take the championship title.
In the semi-finals, Shirley cruised to a 5-and-4 win over four-time champion Meghan Stasi, while Potter took a 2-and-1 victory over Tara Joy-Connelly. Shirley receives a 10-year Women’s Mid-Amateur exemption, as well as a two-year exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur. Potter receives three-year and one-year exemptions, respectively, but was already exempt due to her 2013 victory.
The U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur is one of 13 national championships conducted annually is open to female amateur golfers who are at least 25 years of age.
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Results
SEMI-FINALSMargaret Shirley, Atlanta, Ga. (142) def. Meghan Stasi, Oakland Park, Fla. (151), 5 and 4 
Julia Potter, Granger, Ind. (144) def. Tara Joy-Connelly, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (152), 2 and 1
FINAL
Shirley bt Potter 5 and 3.