Naperville’s Copeland Wins the Marion Miley Award

Wednesday, July 19, 2023 – Naperville, Ill.

The Second Round of Stroke Play for the 123rd Women’s Western Amateur being held at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, Ill. commenced at 7:30 AM today.

Wind can create challenges for precision drives throughout the course from early morning into the afternoon.

Medalist honors went to Catherine Park, Santa Ana, Calif. with a score of 64-70-134. Looking ahead to match play, she said,

“I had to keep in mind that putting was key and managing the course. I haven’t played a lot of match play but when I do, I try to play the course more than my opponent.” 

She has three more years at University of Southern California

L-R Susan Buchanan, WWGA President, Lisa Copeland 2023 Marion Miley Award Winner, Jen Gowen, Tournament Chairman

Lisa Copeland, Naperville, Ill. won the Marion Miley award.  This award, a gold charm bracelet, is given in memory of Kentucky’s all-time great golfer.

Miley won the WWGA Amateur Champion in 1935 and 1937.  On September 28, 1941 at age 27, she was fatally wounded during a robbery in her apartment at the Lexington Country Club.  The bracelet was originally awarded to the low qualifier in the Women’s Western Open.  When the Open was discontinued in 1967, the bracelet became the trophy for the low qualifier in the WWGA Amateur and Junior.

At this year’s Junior she posted a 75-71-146 and at the Amateur 78-74-152. She stated,

“I am so honored to win the award; to hear her (Miss Miley) sad story, so really honored to be able to have this opportunity to win and excited to play in my next Western Championships.“

Past winners include Nancy Lopez, Laura Baugh, Cristie Kerr, Candie Kung, and Dottie Ardina, to name a few.

Match Play begins Thursday at 7:30 AM.