Rouillard Goes Back-to-Back; Captures 55th Women’s Senior Amateur Championship
SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J. - Defending champion Shannon Rouillard claimed the 55th New Jersey Women’s Senior Amateur Championship on Wednesday, October 2 at Shackamaxon Country Club. The 2023 champion outlasted Colleen Rafter in a playoff to hoist the trophy for a second-straight season.
Rouillard, of Watchung Valley Golf Club turned in a second round 5-over par 76.
Rouillard ended the first round atop the leaderboard; also shooting a 76 on Tuesday. She was able to maintain her lead, firing off 14 pars.
“I am a little surprised,” expressed Rouillard after the victory. “Yesterday, it was a grind, and I knew today was going to be a competitive day too.”
It was a back-and-forth affair between Rouillard and Rafter, forcing a playoff on No. 18. Rouillard made a tap-in par on the first playoff hole to secure her victory.
"It really goes back to one shot at a time,” said Rouillard. “You have to stay in the moment and execute each shot.”
Rouillard has extensive experience in competitive golf, competing recently at the U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur Championship in Washington. Senior Director, Championships at the United States Golf Association (USGA), Rouillard isn’t able to dedicate as much time to playing and practicing as one would expect.
"When I was playing in college and playing all the time, it’s about quality practice,” Rouillard said. “Now I just try to make the best of the time that I do have to go out and practice.”
Rouillard’s husband and son came out to Shackamaxon to spectate and provide their support, which Rouillard credited for her steady play down the stretch.
“It was great to have him following me around for quite a bit,” Rouillard said. “Then to see my son the last couple of holes was another wonderful surprise.”
In the 35th Super-Senior Championship, Rafter of Colts Neck Golf Club repeated, carding a 4-over par 75 on Wednesday en route to the title.
“I didn’t play with Colleen last year and I know she finished well,’ said Rouillard. “It was a great competitive round and just what you want to have when you’re playing in an event like this.”
Karen Hansard of Heron Glen Golf Course carded a 5-over par 76 and a 6-over par 78 to take second place in the Super-Senior Championship.
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