Symetra Tour: The Inaugural Mission Inn & Club Championship
With only three events remaining in the 2020 Symetra Tour season, the ladies headed to Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida for the inaugural Mission Inn & Club Championship. This full-field event was played on the 6,735-yard, par 73 course layout over three days, covering 54 holes. The field was cut to the low 60 and ties following 36 holes with those surviving the cut playing for a $125,000 purse.
Round one
Matilda Castren set the pace early after firing a five-under par 68. She held a one-shot lead over Gemma Dryburg and two over Linnea Johansson, Vicky Hurst, Julie Aime, Elise Bradley, and Karen Chung. The-two-under-par group included Maddie Szeryk and Dewi Weber. Five off the lead were number two on the money list, Kim Kauffman, and number ten, Anna Redding. Several top players struggled, including number three Bailey Tardy (+3), number one Fatima Fernandez Cano, and number five Janie Jackson — both at plus-five. Laura Wearn finished at 79 and was 11 shots back.
Round two
Consistent with round one, Matilda Castren proved she was the player to beat this week, posting another five-under par round. She held a three-shot lead over Maddie Szeryk, who fired a 68 that included seven birdies and two bogeys. Linnea Johansson and Vicky Hurst remained within striking distance at five-under. Three players, including Gemma Dryburg were at minus-four. Regina Plasencia turned her weekend around after a 68 following the first round of 76. She was tied with four others at minus-two. Jessica Welch had a similar rebound, improving seven shots and was tied at minus-one with Kim Kauffman. A tough 36 holes concluded for Janie Jackson, who posted a 79 and missed the cut at plus-eight. Laura Wearn recorded a triple bogey and double bogey during her round and missed the cut at +11.
Final round
Although not as dominating a performance in the first two rounds, Matilda Castren cruised to a five-stroke victory after a round of 71 which included five birdies and three bogeys. The win was Castren’s first as a professional. Linnea Johansson claimed sole possession of second place, while Anna Redding’s five-under par total was good enough for third. Dewi Weber posted an even-par round to finish at minus-four and the trio including Vicky Hurst was at three-under. Thirteen other players finished at even par or better including Regina Plasencia, Fatima Fernandez Cano, and Kim Kauffman. Maddie Szeryk fell well off the pace after struggling to a round of 80.
Upcoming Symetra Tour events
The Symetra Tour heads to Pinehurst North Carolina October 28–31 for the inaugural Carolina Golf Classic. The season conconcludes at the Symetra Tour Championship November 3–5 with Laura Wearn as the defending champion.
