Tillie Clairgett, a Vanderbilt sophomore, had a great final round.
She shot a tournament-record nine-under-61 on Sunday, to win the women’s division of 2023 Patriot All-America. This amateur tournament, held at the end of the year in Litchfield Park Arizona, is filled with the best amateurs across the nation.
Claggett was six shots behind the leader at the start of the final round. But nine birdies on the Wigwam blue course later, she had her name inscribed into the records and won the Folded Flag Trophy and Bomber Jacket.
Claggett stated, “I have been looking forward to an individual victory since I transitioned from my junior career to my amateur career. This definitely feels good.”
Melanie Green of South Florida, who was the 36-hole leader, finished two shots behind her.
Florida junior Ian Gilligan, who finished at 12 under, shot a 2-under-par 68 during the final round on the Golf Course. Parker Jackson of Notre Dame, who was the only five-time competitor, lost by three shots.
Gilligan, who is the Big West Conference’s individual champion, said, “It’s not sunk in, but I’m excited.” “I wasn’t off to a great start, it was a bit slow. But I hung around and waited until my chances came up. I got lucky and luckily got a hole, which was helpful, then hung on at the end. “But I’m very excited to win this event.”
The Patriot All-America Invitational will feature PING All-Americans of the previous NCAA Divisions I and II, NAIA, and NJCAA seasons, as well as the 2022 First Team All-America seniors from the AJGA, and other special guests. The 54-hole amateur tournament is the first event of its kind that brings together the talents of 150 nationally renowned men and women at the same time.
The Patriot All-America, a collaboration between the Folds of Honor Foundation and the Folds of Honor Foundation, is a golf tournament that honors severely injured or fallen soldiers, first responders, and other military personnel. At the opening ceremony, golfers will receive a PING golf bag emblazoned by the name and branch service of the fallen or injured member of the military they are representing. The card also contains the soldier’s biography so that participants can get to know him. The golf bags will be sold by the college or university of the player, with the proceeds going to Folds Of Honor to help the affected families.
