The 2017 Women’s Porter Cup got off to a solid start on Wednesday at the Niagara Falls country club. Unique in that none of its initial four champions has returned to defend her crown (having turned professional among the reasons), the 5th anniversary promises event another, first-time winner.
Madison Luitweiler, a 20-year old junior from Katy, Texas and the University of Texas, staked a narrow lead on day one with a 2-under par 70. Five birdies on her card offset three bogeys, including one at the difficult, closing hole. On the heels of the Longhorn golfer are five other golfers at minus-one 71. They are
- Naomi Ko, 19-year old junior at NC State, from British Columbia; 2 birdies and 1 bogey
- Lauren Waller, 20-year old junior at Penn State, from Cannonsburg, PA; 5 birdies and two bogeys, after a 1st-hole double bogey
- Anna Redding, 20-year old junior at UVA, from Concord, NC; 3 birdies and 2 bogeys (both on back-nine par 5 holes)
- Linda Wang, 19-year old sophomore at St. Johns U., from Queens, NY; 4 birdies and 3 bogeys.
Chelsea D’Antonio, a 19-year old junior at Winthrop University, is in a +2 74. The Lancaster native is the top local finisher after 18 holes, with Victoria Parker of Lewiston at 76, and Maren Cipolla of Williamsville at 78. The tournament continues today and tomorrow, and is free to the public.
