Aug. 2, 2005

ROSWELL, Ga. - Santa Clara University junior golfer Candice Palmer closed action at the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, hosted by the U.S. Golf Association at Ansley Golf Club's Settindown Creek Course in Roswell, Ga.

"The tournament did not go as well as I had been hoping for," Palmer said, after finishing the two rounds tied for 146th. Overall, this has been an amazing opportunity as well as a great learning experience."

Palmer carded a 10-over-par 82 in Monday's first round and followed with a 92 in today's round to finish at 174. The top 64 advanced to match play on Wednesday.

Palmer, a native of nearby Pleasanton and a former standout at Amador Valley High School, was the first Bronco to qualify for the Women's Amateur. She said of Monday's round, "I hit the ball really well from tee to green, but I felt good after a solid post-round practice session. I really wanted to start my second round off solidly and put myself in a position to make the cut."

Unfortunately, Palmer said she struggled early in today's round with her swing. "Even though I shot a high number today, I feel that I can take this experience back with me to SCU and learn from it.

"Overall, Atlanta and this tournament have been awesome," she concluded. "I have enjoyed the time I have been here and I am eager to get back into competition in a few weeks at the Santa Cruz City Amateur. Playing in this tournament is definitely going to help me play well during my final season at Santa Clara."

The U.S. Women's Amateur, the third oldest of the USGA championships, was first played in 1895 at Meadowbrook Club in Hempstead, N.Y. The event is open to any female amateur who has a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 5.4. The Women's Amateur is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the USGA, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.

For more information on this event, please visit its official site at www.uswamateur.org.