MANCHESTER — Hailey Katona has made herself right at home playing on Bennington County golf courses the past few years. The former NCAA Division I golfer – who spent last fall with Central Michigan University – claimed her first Vermont Women’s Golf Association’s Amateur championship at Mount Anthony Country Club in 2023.
She had her most dominant showing to date this week, running away from the field at Ekwanok Country Club to seal a three-peat in the event. Katona carded a nine-over par through the three day tournament, besting the field by a staggering 13 strokes as play concluded Wednesday.
Katona wasted no time defending her back-to-back titles, shooting the only under-par round of the tournament Monday. She shot a two-under 68, which included three birdies and an eagle on the par-5 10th hole. Through 18 holes, she amassed a six-stroke lead. Carson Richards of Burlington Country Club sat in second place through day one, shooting a four-over 74.
The lead grew to 10 strokes through two rounds of play after a five-over 75 from Katona marked the second lowest score of the day. Only Dorset Field Club’s Keely Culligan carded a better round, shooting a 74 to move into sole possession of second place. Culligan remained in second upon the conclusion of the tournament, tied with Richards at +22. Katona remained relatively unchallenged, however, on her way to a three-peat. While she didn’t register any birdies over the final 36 holes, she also limited her mistakes. She once again carded the lowest score on the final day of the tournament, two strokes better than Richards’ 78.
The victory sealed a three-peat for Katona, who won the 2024 championship at Champlain Country Club.
Both golfers who call Ekwanok Country Club their home course made the cut. Rebecca Montgelas finished 21st overall, shooting a combined score of 57-over par. Reggie Parker (+64) was close behind, finishing in 26th amongst the field of 57.
Manchester Country Club’s Alyssa Gallo had the highlight of the tournament during Tuesday’s second round, recording a hole-in-one on the par-3 fourth. Gallo finished 12th overall, shooting a +43.
Fellow MCC golfers Melissa Rice (22nd, +59) and Emily Ando (28th, +66) also made the cut, as did Stratton Mountain Country Club’s Margaret Brenner (18th, +54).
TOP 10
1. Hailey Katona (+9), T2. Kelly Culligan (+22), T2. Carson Richards (+22), 4. Lin Culver (+25), 5. Tekla Fine-Lease (+26), 6. Teegan Duffy (+31), 7. Jazz Bruce (+36), 8. Mary Brush (+37), 9. Jeanne Morrissey (+38), 10. Tiffany Maurycy (+40)
