American Jessi Gebhardt eyes title at Credit Union Challenge
American Jessi Gebhardt, who lost to her fellow American Sydnee Michaels at the Credit Union Challenge, formerly the Price Chopper Tour Championship, last year, is going to participate in the coming edition
of the tournament, set to be played from August 3-5, at Capital Hills, Albany.
Gebhardt, who has been a talented player on the Symetra Tour, is able to rattle rivals at Capital Hills this week. However, the American star will have to come up with a more perfect plan for the match, as
the field is strong enough to trouble contenders.
Gebhardt came close to winning the prestigious Symetra Tour tournament last year, but she could not hold her ground in the final moments, letting Michaels walk away with the title.
The Arizona native displayed a balanced performance throughout the three days, as she posted a solid score on the leaderboard. She got off to a stunning start, as she carded a 69. She posted the same 69 in
the second round as well.
Since her nearest rival Michaels, who also posted the same 69 in the opening round, stepped up pressure on Gebhardt after she registered a 68 in the second round. The tournament turned into a nerve-jangling
battle when the two rivals moved into the last round. Both the players posted the same 65 on the final day, which helped Michaels win the tournament and the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) card as well.
Analysts said that the field this year is as tough as last year, because Michaels has confirmed her commitment to participate in the tournament to defend her title.
Analysts pointed out that Michaels has now gained enough exposure to bigger events on the LPGA Tour since receiving her card last year, so she will come up with a more solid strategy for the Credit Union Challenge.
The American prodigy spoke about her last-year victory during her interview at Capital Hills, saying she is pretty excited to be back here to defend her title. She said that she performed surprisingly well
last year, although the field was quite tough.
“I didn't know I was leading (the tournament) my last few holes," she said, "I had done well enough where I was going to get my full card, no matter what”.
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