There will be a new name etched onto the Women’s WA Amateur Championship trophy after Mount Lawley golfers Amanda Gan and Ruby Cotton won their semis to become first-time finalists.
Gan, who won the stroke play medal, continued her fine form with a 3&2 win over 2021 champion Amie Phobubpa, while Cotton held on to edge out clubmate Erina Tan 1UP in a high-quality encounter.
It means a mouth-watering clash between the two rising teen stars in Sunday’s 36-hole final with both aiming to land the biggest titles of their careers to date.
Having led the stroke play qualifying rounds from day one, top-seed Gan, aged 17, has yet to be behind in the match play rounds and goes into the final playing some of the best golf of her life.
“I feel good about my chances,” Gan told GolfWA. “It means a lot to me to reach the final. I’ve been playing pretty good this past week and I’m stoked that I’ve made it to the last day. If I keep on playing the way I have been, stay calm and enjoy it, I can’t ask for more than that.”
Amanda Gan has led the event from day one and has yet to be behind in the match play rounds
Eighteen-year-old Cotton has also found her top form throughout the week and is revelling in the opportunity to compete in the final having never previously passed the first match play round.
Her semi against 2023 runner-up Erina Tan was awash with birdies and saw the lead exchange hands several times before Cotton edged ahead on the 12th and held on to close out a nervy 1UP win on the 18th.
“I feel so good,” Cotton said. “I was super-happy just getting past the first round but I really, really wanted to reach the final today, so I’m very happy.”
Cotton credits a recent switch to coach David Milne for an uptick in her form. “He’s really helped me with the mental side of my game,” she explained. “That’s been good for me and it’s made a big difference this week.”
Hear Ruby’s views on her semi-final win below…
The 36-hole Women’s WA Amateur Championship final between Cotton and Gan commences at 8.45am on Sunday morning, immediately after the men’s final tees off. Spectators are welcome.
The men’s final will see Royal Perth’s Spencer Harrison take on George Barclay of Joondalup CC. Read the report of today’s play in the men’s draw here.
