In rematch of 2020 final, Kim Eaton edges 2-time champ Kristine Franklin to advance to title match in CGA Women’s Senior Match Play
By Gary Baines – 7/20/2021
Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Kim Eaton, seeking an unprecedented fifth title in the CGA Women’s Senior Match Play, assured herself a spot in the final match this week by defeating two-time defending champion Kristine Franklin of The Ranch Country Club on Tuesday at Collindale Golf Course in Fort Collins.
In a rematch of the 2020 final — but a reversal of outcome — Eaton beat Franklin 1 up in round-robin pod play. And, having defeated fellow Hall of Famer Janet Moore of Cherry Hills Country Club on Monday and with a bye upcoming on Wednesday, Eaton will win her pod and advance to Thursday’s title match. There, she’ll face the winner of Wednesday’s Marilyn Hardy (Dos Rios Golf Club)-Sue Wooster (Metro Denver eClub) matchup.
Franklin, winner of four CGA women’s senior majors since 2018, was 2 up on Eaton through 13 holes on Tuesday. But Eaton won the 14th hole with a birdie and the 16th and 17th with pars as Franklin went 6 over par during the four-hole stretch. And with Eaton 1 up through 17 — her first lead of the match — both players parred 18 and Eaton prevailed 1 up.
Should Eaton win on Thursday, it would be her 26th CGA/CWGA championship title, which would be an outright record. She currently shares the mark with fellow Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Carol Flenniken. Eaton last won the Women’s Senior Match Play in 2017.
In the other championship pod on Tuesday, Hardy beat Susan Hartwell of West Woods Golf Club 4 and 3. Hardy, the 2020 CGA Women’s Senior Stroke Play champion, never trailed in the match. And Wooster defeated Louise Lyle of Patty Jewett Golf Course, 7 and 6. Wooster was 3 under par for the 12 holes of that match.
The CGA Women’s Net Match Play is being held concurrently with the Senior Match Play. All the pod winners likewise will tee it up on Thursday to determine the first flight and second flight champions.
For all the results from the Women’s Senior Match Play and the Net Match Play, CLICK HERE.