Sports

Clemente wins first match at U.S. Amateur Women’s Championship

WGCU | By Sheldon Zoldan/Special to WGCU

Published August 10, 2023 at 7:22 AM EDT

Estero's Gianna Clemente hugs 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Jensen Castle after defeating her in play Wednesday at the U.S. Amateur Women's Championsip at Bel-Aire Country Club in Los Angeles. Clemente faces Anne Chen, of Sugar Land, Texas, in the Round of 32 today.

Estero’s Gianna Clemente won her first match Wednesday at the U.S. Amateur Women’s Championship at Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles, defeating Jensen Castle 4 and 3.

The match was close through the first eight holes, with Clemente and Castle each winning three holes and tying on two.

Estero’s Gianna Clemente is greeted by her caddy, Patrick Clemente, her dad, after defeating 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Jensen Castle Wednesday.

The 15-year-old Clemente took a one-hole lead with a birdie on the ninth, but Castle tied it with a birdie on the 10^th hole.

Clemente then took command, winning the 11^th through 14^th holes with two birdies and two pars.

She will play Duke University senior Anne Chen at noon EST today. If she wins, she will play as second opponent this afternoon.

The Golf Channel is televising the matches between 6 and 9 p.m. Thursday.

WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.