Modest McCloskey stays cool at Amateur

Photo by Tracy Wilcox

Lisa McCloskey at the 2010 U.S. Women's Amateur.

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U.S. Women’s Amateur (Round 2)

Sixty-four players advanced to match play Tuesday at the U.S. Women’s Amateur.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After a blazing summer on the amateur circuit, Lisa McCloskey arrived at the U.S. Women’s Amateur this week with a new moniker hung around her neck.

Favorite.

McCloskey lost to big hitters in the final matches of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links (to Emily Tubert) and the North & South Amateur (to Cydney Clanton). She also was one of six amateurs to make the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open, and was in contention until incurring a two-stroke penalty midway through the second round when her caddie took an illegal ride on a golf cart.

McCloskey, who transferred from Pepperdine to USC for her junior season, doesn’t appear to be bothered by her favorite’s status, however. After opening stroke play with a 2-over 74 at Charlotte Country Club, McCloskey shot 68 Tuesday, and said it could have even been a few shots lower. After the morning wave, she sits in a three-way tie for sixth.

McCloskey walked off the course with a better feeling than she had at the beginning of the day, knowing she was safely onto the match-play bracket.

“It’s a confidence booster,” McCloskey said of her two trips to match-play finals. “We don’t play any match play during school. Just to play well, shoot 3 under in match play, it’s still 3 under.”

McCloskey carries herself with confidence on the course but often downplays her performance after a good round.

“I try not to jinx myself,” she said with a smile. “Whatever happens this week happens. Anything can happen in match play. Just because I’ve been in two finals doesn’t mean that it’s going to be a breeze to get to the (Women’s Amateur) finals.

“Hopefully, I can get there again, but if not, just make a good run for it.”

Sounds like McCloskey has this match-play thing – not to mention the modesty bit – figured out.