Samantha Postillion, 20, wins AWGA State Amateur Play Championship

Samantha Postillion and her mother Kerry Postillion - both AWGA Stroke Play Champions

by Mary Ann Souter

On August 15th - 17th, Samantha Postillion played in her first AWGA State Amateur Stroke Play Championship, a grueling 54-hole event held at Desert Mountain Golf Club this year, which tests a player’s skill, focus and endurance. With a total score of 210, she won the title and her name is now added to the perpetual trophy which currently displays her mother’s name twice. The Postillions have earned a special place in AWGA history – the first mother and daughter who have both won the State Amateur Stroke Play Championship – Kerry Postillion in 2005 and 2006 and Samantha in 2012.

But, winning the Stroke Play Championship isn’t the only reason this was a tournament to remember for 20 year old Samantha. Not only did she shoot her lowest round ever, a remarkable 67, on the first day of the tournament but she also recorded eight birdies that same day, the most she ever scored in one round. It was truly a significant event for this young winner.

On August 27th, the fall semester begins and Samantha will be a junior playing on the University of Illinois women’s golf team.  “I’ve been practicing every day and playing in the Stroke Play Championship was a great experience for preparing me for college tournaments,” she said. “I am so excited about school and golf this year.”

Samantha’s ultimate goal is to play golf on the LPGA Tour after finishing college. “This has been my dream for several years,” she said. “It’s always in the back of my mind and it’s what keeps me motivated.”

Congratulations, Samantha, on a memorable win!