Kirby, Korda will roll into Women’s Am final

Jennifer Kirby and Jessica Korda

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – It has been a long week, but we will have a duel between the United States and Canada in the semifinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur. Here’s how things should shake out Saturday:

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U.S. Women’s Amateur (Quarterfinals)

Jennifer Kirby, Danielle Kang, Jessica Korda and Stephanie Sherlock each advanced to the semifinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur, set for Saturday at Charlotte (N.C.) Country Club.

Jennifer Kirby vs. Danielle Kang: Kirby has been solid all week long, and Kang has needed to survive rather than flat-out win. Kang’s putter was a bit shaky in the quarterfinals, and almost cost her the match against Sydnee Michaels. A driver is something that can be fixed on the range, but a putting stroke takes a lot longer. Yes, players need to stay out of the rough, but they also need drain 6-footers on a consistent basis. I have Kang locked in my bracket to make it to the final match – but after what I saw today, I have to change my pick.

Prediction: Kirby wins, 3 and 2.

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Stephanie Sherlock vs. Jessica Korda: This entire week I have been impressed by Korda. Perhaps I underestimated her? It just doesn’t matter who she goes up against, she finds a way to win her match. No player has had a tougher path to the semifinals than Korda, and she just seems to be in a zone that is unbreakable. Sherlock also has played well this week, defeating Caroline Hedwall, but Korda has just been more impressive. Each round I think she is going to lose, but each round I am proved wrong. Hopefully, it’s not too late to hop on board the Korda Train, because I think her ticket is one way to the finals.

Prediction: Korda wins, 4 and 2.