Natalie Mu of San Gabriel gave up golf after graduating from Cal in 2017 but took her clubs out of the closet, started to play again during the Coronavirus pandemic and has regained her old form.
The 26-year-old Mu captured the second Southern California Golf Association Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship by four strokes over Caitlin Farley of San Diego at Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrieta.
“My hands were shaking the entire time,” said Mu, who was the 2013 Southern California PGA Junior Tour Player of the Year. “The putter was working pretty well. I put a little extra love in my putter. I made a lot of putts, saved a lot of pars and I think that kind of saved both rounds, yesterday and today.
“It was still a little nerve-racking, but I pulled through. I got those two birdies to start the back nine and that felt good … (and) I had a great sand save on hole 12. It feels surreal and I want to thank everyone who (organized) the tournament.
“This is a great event for those who have been in the working world and just want to get back into playing like me. I had a great time.”
Mu, who also won the 2012 CIF Southern Section Central Division Championship, posted a score of 79-74—153, 7-over-par, while Farley, who played at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, was second at 78-79—157, followed by Shelly Haywood of Huntington Beach at 77-81—158, Corey Weworski of Carlsbad at 82-78—160 and Kathy Kurata of Pasadena at 84-80—164.
Ashley Norda of Los Angeles was sixth at 88-79—167, while Crystal Horiuchi of Poway shot 84-84—168 to tie for seventh with Devon Musgrove of Oceanside, who wound up at 82-86—168.
Ashleigh Wolseley of Santa Barbara was ninth at 85-85—170, while Ran Keane of Escondido wound up at 89-62—171 to tie for 10th with Soran Lim of Villa Park, who came in at 85-86—171.
For complete results, visit https://scga-2022scgawomensmidamateurchampionshi.golfgenius.com/pages/3331127
