Bandon, Oregon – Megha Ganne of Stanford University secured a decisive victory at the 119th U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship on Sunday, defeating brooke Biermann of Michigan State University 5 and 3 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.
Ganne, who will enter her senior year at Stanford in the fall, built a commanding lead in the afternoon round, responding to Biermann’s lone win of the day with a birdie to maintain a 4-up advantage. biermann struggled with her game, twice sending shots over the green and conceding holes, failing to mount a significant challenge. The championship match, played on the Bandon Dunes course, saw Ganne never trailing, despite being all square through 11 holes in the morning session.
“Brooke didn’t make it easy on me. She showed so much fight,” Ganne stated after the win. “This is highly likely my last Women’s Amateur, and I really, really wanted to get this done.”
This victory marks a significant milestone for Ganne, who has been a contender in USGA events for nearly a decade. she previously reached the semifinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 2019 at age 15, losing a close match to Albane Valenzuela at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point, Mississippi, after 19 holes.
Ganne’s path to the championship wasn’t without its challenges. In the semifinals, she faced a 4-down deficit with seven holes remaining against Ella Scaysbrook, ultimately rallying to win on the 19th hole with a crucial birdie.
The afternoon session proved decisive, with Biermann experiencing difficulties. She lost three consecutive holes with bogeys, falling 3-up after 18 holes and never recovering. Ganne sealed the victory with a two-putt par from 15 feet on the 15th hole.
“Megha is a great player,” biermann acknowledged. “I was trying to stay in my own thoughts. Unfortunately, the putter went cold today. I felt like I gave it my all.I had a blast out here.” Biermann,who recently completed her collegiate career at Michigan State,had a chance to narrow the gap on the 14th hole with a 20-foot putt but missed,leading to a four-hole deficit.
Ganne’s win culminates a successful run at bandon Dunes, a renowned golf destination known for its challenging links-style courses. The U.S.Women’s Amateur Championship is one of the most prestigious events in women’s amateur golf,attracting top players from around the world. The championship was conducted by the US Golf Association (USGA).
“I can’t believe I’m standing here right now,” Ganne said, holding the championship trophy. “I’m not going to lie,I was thinking about this trophy the entire day.”
