Lawrence wins Amateur championship for third time

Alicia Lawrence gave her caddy, Jeremy Martin, strict instructions during the final round of the Northern Kentucky Amateur women's championships—she didn't want to know where she was on the leader board.

"I didn't know until after my chip on 18," Lawrence said, who participated in the tournament at Pendleton Country Club last week.

It wasn't until her chip that reality hit Lawrence; she was in first place and was on her way to winning her third championship. Lawrence, who had previously won the championship in 2005 and 2006, fired a round of 1-under 71, holding off second place finisher Emily Wolff, who shot an even round of 72, in her first post-college tournament.

"I'm surprised. I had been playing well during the week, and it gave me some confidence," Lawrence said, who graduated from Northern Kentucky University this spring.

The fact that her two aunts, who had never watched her play before, were in attendance made the championship that much better.

"This one was neat. It was great to have my family there," Lawrence said.

Heading into the tournament, Lawrence had not played competitively and had practiced for only a week-and-a-half before the event. Playing in her first tournament without the pressure of representing the Lady Norse, Lawrence said she had no expectations.

"It was the first tournament where I was just playing. I wanted to play well, but if I didn't, it wouldn't be that bad. It was the first time in a while I haven't played with my team and that was different not having the girls out there," Lawrence said.

The rust of not playing day after day never showed up as Lawrence wasted little time imposing her will on the field, claiming medalist honors during qualifying with a score of 145. Following qualifying, Lawrence advanced to championship flight match play, where she defeated University of Alabama-Birmingham signee Kristin Lottman 6 and 5.

Lawrence will take little time enjoying her victory as she is scheduled to play in the Eagle Creek Club Championship July 19-20. She has won the championship in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

As for expectations, Lawrence notes they are about the same as they were last week.

"It would be nice to win it again, but we'll have to wait and see," Lawrence said.