Granahan Claims Third Women's Mid-Amateur Title
CLIFTON, N.J. – Kate Granahan added another chapter to an increasingly impressive New Jersey Women's Mid-Amateur résumé Friday morning, defeating Alyssa Roland, 5 and 4, at Upper Montclair Country Club to capture her third championship title. The victory adds to titles in 2021 and 2023, making Granahan the second three-time champion in the tournament’s history.
“To me, it means that all my hard work is going towards something, and to be rewarded for that hard work is awesome,” Granahan said.
After a weather-plagued second round that featured brief stretches of sunshine interrupted by frequent downpours Thursday, the finalists were finally greeted by clear skies for the championship match. Granahan, a former member at Upper Montclair Country Club, paired her familiarity with the course with a steady, mistake-free performance to control the match from the opening holes.
Granahan, 32, grabbed her first lead of the morning with a birdie on the 355-yard par-4 third hole before extending the advantage to 2 up with a par on No. 4. She continued her early surge with another birdie on the par-4 fifth, moving 3 up through five holes.
“Getting that strong first lead off hole 3 is always awesome, it’s always a great feeling,” Granahan said. “I was striking the ball well and the ball was close enough to the pin that I could make some putts. My putter was rolling great all week.”
The pair tied the sixth hole before Granahan answered with another par victory on No. 7 to maintain control. Roland responded with a par to claim the 165-yard par-3 eighth hole, but the competitors tied No. 9, sending Granahan to the back nine with a 3-up advantage after playing the front side in 1-under par.
Granahan maintained her cushion through the opening holes of the back nine before delivering another pivotal moment on the 368-yard par-4 13th. A par there stretched her lead to 4 up with five holes remaining.
On the par-4 14th, Granahan all but sealed the championship. She hit her approach to within six feet before calmly rolling in the right-to-left breaking birdie putt to close out the match, 5 and 4.
Granahan's path to the title included a 6-and-5 quarterfinal victory over defending champion Daria Delfino and a 3-and-2 semifinal win over Catherine Kim on Thursday.
With fellow Mid-Am friend Aidong Ma once again serving as her caddie, Granahan credited the familiar partnership for helping her remain composed throughout the week.
“She’s incredible,” Granahan said. “She plays golf too so she knows it, she knows competition. She’s a lovely person, and great to have on the bag.”
Granahan, who is expecting her first child will now turn her attention to the national stage later this summer, when she represents New Jersey as the state's lone competitor in the U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur Championship at Montclair Golf Club.
“It just means that you can do it, don’t let anyone tell that you can’t. You can always do it. If you feel good enough just do it. Of course being pregnant it makes it harder, there’s different challenges that come along with it, but, it’s also an incredible feeling. Such a good feeling, and I’m so happy to be out here. Great day, great week, around great players. You can’t ask for much more.”
Final Result
Kate Granahan def Alyssa Roland, 5 and 4
NJ Golf Social Media
For the latest updates and news, visit njgolf.org or follow New Jersey Golf on Facebook, X and Instagram at @njgolf1900.
