USGA

CAROL SEMPLE THOMPSON WINS
1999 USGA SENIOR WOMEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPION

Scottsdale, Ariz.- Carol Semple Thompson, 50, Sewickley, Pa., defeats Cecilia Mourgue-D'Algue, 53, of France, in the final round of match play to win the 1999 USGA Senior Women's Amateur Championship conducted at the 5,760-yard, par 72 Desert Mountain Club Cochise Course.

"I knew it wouldn't be a easy match," says Thompson, who won the match on the 19th hole. "Cecilia is a seasoned player. There was a terrific international contingent. There are a lot of good players that are still playing. It was a strong field."

"I never give up. I just keep on playing. That's all you can do, just keep playing each hole," said Mourgue-D'Algue, who three putted the 19th hole.

Thompson who has played in 80 USGA amateur events had her 78 year- old mother, Phyllis Semple, as her caddy this week while playing in her first USGA Senior Women's Amateur Championship.

"That was really special for me to have her here. She says little things to build me up. She's really been supportive," said Thompson. In the semifinal match played Sunday morning Thompson defeated Toni Wiesner, 52, of Fort Worth, Texas, 1997 USGA Senior Women's Amateur Championship runner-up, 1 up.

"That was the best round I've played all week," said Thompson who made five shots for birdie in the round.

Betsy Bro, 53, of Scottsdale, Ariz., took a one-stroke penalty on the 19th hole for accidentally lifting her opponents ball and lost the semifinal match to Mourgue-D'Algue, 53, of France.

" We both hit the same ball, we both have black dots on it. She has more black dots on hers. All of us assumed that was my ball," says Bro. "It makes me sad, it was a technicality. There are Rules of Golf. We were so careful all week to follow the rules."

"I played my best all week. I know I can play. I've won enough state tournaments to know I can compete," says Bro who was 1 up through out most of the match. "It was nice playing in my backyard."

The Senior Women's Amateur Championship was inaugurated in 1962 for female players age 50 and older and was conducted at stroke play until the 1997 championship at which point the format changed to match play.

There are 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.

Scottsdale, Ariz., -- Results from the final round of match play at the 1999 USGA Senior Women's Amateur Championship conducted at the 5,760--yard, par 72 Desert Mountain Club Cochise Course:

LOWER HALF

Carol Thompson, Sewickley, Pa., (150) def. Cecilia Mourgue-D'Algue, France, ,(160), 19 holes

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