UNIVERSITY PLACE in Wash. — Sakibaba of Japan defeated American Bailey Shoemaker 7 & 6, Saturday at Chambers Bay, to reach the U.S. Womens Amateur final.
In the 36-hole final Sunday, Baba, 17 years old, will take on Canadian Monet Chun, 21, a rising junior at Michigan.
Baba won five out of the seven first holes, and made an 18-foot birdie at No. 10 for a six-hole lead
I was just thinking, ‘I’m going to lose, I’m going to lose,’ the whole time.
Chun won Annabel Wilson 2 and 1 at the USGA Championships, her first USGA title.
Chun stated, It feels amazing honestly. Coming into the week, I couldn’t imagine being at this spot. Its a great feeling.
Baba is attempting to become the second Japanese champion in tournament history, following Michikohattori in 1985 at Fox Chapel. Cathy Sherk, the Canadian champion, won the 1978 title at Sunnybrook, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania.
Baba was one the four amateurs that made the cut at the U.S. Womens Open, Pine Needles. She tied for 49th. She shared medalist honors, and reached the round 32 in U.S. Girls Junior at The Club At Olde Stone
Chun won on July 23 the Canadian Womens Amateur to earn a place in the event and the CP Womens Open. She helped Michigan win its first Big Ten championship in April and was awarded medalist honors.
Shoemaker, 17 years old, is from Dade City (Florida). She has verbally committed her to attending USC in the fall 2023.