Florida State University Athletics
Bugg Wins Championship At Tennessee Amateur
6/21/2024 12:31:00 PM | Women's Golf
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Florida State sophomore Bella Bugg shot three consecutive rounds of 71, finished with a three-round total of 3 under par 213, and won the championship of the 92nd Tennessee Women's Amateur at the Belle Meade Country Club on June 20. Bugg defeated Vanderbilt University junior Lynn Lim by one stroke to win the first Tennessee Amateur championship of her career.
Bugg earned entry into the U.S. Women's Amateur at the Southern Hill Country Club in Tulsa (August 5-11) with her victory.
"It feels amazing to be a winner again at such a prestigious event in my home state," said Bugg. "It makes it even more special to be in my hometown because my family, friends, and coaches got to come watch all three days."
Bugg recently completed her freshman season as a Seminole, as she played in three matches – including the Florida State Match Up – during her first season in Tallahassee. She finished in a career-best tie for 40th place at the 2024 Match Up on the Seminoles' home course. Bugg also performed well in the classroom as she earned Dean's List academic honors in both the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters.
At the 2024 Tennessee Amateur, Bugg was among the tournament leaders throughout the three-day event. She was in a tie for first place following a first round 71. A second consecutive score of 71 and a two-round total of 142 had her in sole possession of first place after 36 holes. Her second round play gave her a three-stroke lead heading into the third and final round. Her third consecutive score of 71 and a three-round total of 213 gave her the championship.
Bugg finished as the only golfer in the field to finish with under par scores in each of the three rounds of play.
"My putter was on all week," said Bugg. "My short game was great, so I didn't have to worry too much about missing a green because I knew I would have a great chance to get up and down. I was also -7 on the par 5s for the week, so my length and precision definitely helped that. It was fun to play in the last group the last two days."
Bugg made her tournament-winning move late in the third round as she earned three consecutive birdies on holes 14, 15, and 16 and claimed the championship despite a final round 69 by Lim.
In addition to earning a spot in the U.S. Women's Amateur later this season, Bugg will play in the North & South Women's Amateur at Pinehurst (June 25-29) and in the Women's Western in Illinois (July 16-18).
"The Tennessee Women's Amateur field is essentially a college tournament so it's fun being paired with friends from Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and the College of Charleston," said Bugg. "It makes you better when you know you have to play your A game to win. My play in this tournament has helped my confidence tremendously. I have really struggled the past year with my mental game, and the support I had the past week really showed me deep down how good I really am and that our team at FSU can do something special together."
Bugg earned entry into the U.S. Women's Amateur at the Southern Hill Country Club in Tulsa (August 5-11) with her victory.
"It feels amazing to be a winner again at such a prestigious event in my home state," said Bugg. "It makes it even more special to be in my hometown because my family, friends, and coaches got to come watch all three days."
Bugg recently completed her freshman season as a Seminole, as she played in three matches – including the Florida State Match Up – during her first season in Tallahassee. She finished in a career-best tie for 40th place at the 2024 Match Up on the Seminoles' home course. Bugg also performed well in the classroom as she earned Dean's List academic honors in both the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters.
At the 2024 Tennessee Amateur, Bugg was among the tournament leaders throughout the three-day event. She was in a tie for first place following a first round 71. A second consecutive score of 71 and a two-round total of 142 had her in sole possession of first place after 36 holes. Her second round play gave her a three-stroke lead heading into the third and final round. Her third consecutive score of 71 and a three-round total of 213 gave her the championship.
Bugg finished as the only golfer in the field to finish with under par scores in each of the three rounds of play.
"My putter was on all week," said Bugg. "My short game was great, so I didn't have to worry too much about missing a green because I knew I would have a great chance to get up and down. I was also -7 on the par 5s for the week, so my length and precision definitely helped that. It was fun to play in the last group the last two days."
Bugg made her tournament-winning move late in the third round as she earned three consecutive birdies on holes 14, 15, and 16 and claimed the championship despite a final round 69 by Lim.
In addition to earning a spot in the U.S. Women's Amateur later this season, Bugg will play in the North & South Women's Amateur at Pinehurst (June 25-29) and in the Women's Western in Illinois (July 16-18).
"The Tennessee Women's Amateur field is essentially a college tournament so it's fun being paired with friends from Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and the College of Charleston," said Bugg. "It makes you better when you know you have to play your A game to win. My play in this tournament has helped my confidence tremendously. I have really struggled the past year with my mental game, and the support I had the past week really showed me deep down how good I really am and that our team at FSU can do something special together."
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
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