The picturesque greens of Bel-Air Country Club await the arrival of two of University of Kentucky’s brightest stars, Jensen Castle and Laney Frye, as they prepare to compete in the 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship from Aug. 7-13.
As the 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion, Castle is no stranger to the pressure and prestige of the event. This year, she will tee off at 11:08 a.m. ET on Monday, alongside fellow golfers Kiara Romero and Gianna Clemente. On the other hand, Frye, the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur co-Stroke Play Medalist Honoree, will initiate her championship journey at 3:52 p.m. ET paired with Megha Ganne and Bailey Shoemaker.
Fans can catch the action from the comfort of their homes, with the Golf Channel broadcasting the event live, covering the rounds and ensuring golf enthusiasts don’t miss a stroke.
Tournament Schedule on Golf Channel:
- Wednesday, Aug. 9: Round of 64, match play (6-9 p.m. ET)
- Thursday, Aug. 10: Rounds of 32 and 16, match play (6-9 p.m. ET)
- Friday, Aug. 11: Quarterfinals, match play (6-9 p.m. ET)
- Saturday, Aug. 12: Semifinals, match play (3-6 p.m. ET)
- Sunday, Aug. 13: Championship match, 36 holes (7-10 p.m. ET)
Following 36 holes of intense stroke play, the top 64 scorers will transition into the thrilling match play format. A potential playoff might be on the cards to streamline the competition to the top 64 golfers.
Castle, a seasoned player hailing from West Columbia, South Carolina, was exempted from qualifiers this year, thanks to her outstanding victory in 2021. The ten-year exemption she received as a reward ensures she will be a name to reckon with at the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship for the next decade.
Laney Frye, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, secured her spot this year with a stunning performance, tying for first place at a qualifier in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Her 4-under-par 68 matched the score of Wake Forest’s Brooke Rivers, ensuring her participation.
Both athletes have showcased consistent performances at the U.S. Women’s Amateur. Castle has been a regular since 2020, and Frye joined the elite roster in 2021. Both have advanced to match play with each appearance.
Castle’s fairy-tale win in 2021, securing victory with a masterful birdie putt on the penultimate hole, remains etched in golf history. It was a remarkable achievement for the then 63rd seed, as she bested Yu-Chiang (Vivian) Hou with a 2&1 triumph.
With the history and determination both players bring to the table, the 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship promises to be an eventful week of golf. Will Castle reclaim her crown? Or will Frye surge ahead? The Bel-Air Country Club is all set to witness history once again.
