WEST ORANGE, N.J. – Incoming Auburn graduate transfer Ami Gianchandani recorded a runner-up finish in the New Jersey Inaugural Women's Open Championship hosted by the New Jersey State Golf Association on Thursday. Gianchandani fired a 76 (+5) in the opening round on Wednesday then posted the best score in the field during Thursday's second round with a 1-over 73.
"With the rain, the key is you have to stay patient all day and I think I was focused on that earlier on today than I necessarily was yesterday," said Gianchandani. "Staying more in the moment, taking it one hole at a time was the key today."
The Watchung, New Jersey native's 36-hole score of 149 (+7) was one shot behind tournament champion Meaghan Francella. Gianchandani was the highest finishing amateur at the event, as she edged out Katherine Lu, the next highest finishing amateur, by four strokes. The 58-player field at the event included 20 professionals and 38 amateurs.
Her final round was highlighted by three birdies including one on the 18th hole at Montclair Golf Club.
"Being able to shoot pretty well on such a tough course and then place near the top of the field in this event feels really great," Gianchandani continued. "It's definitely a step in the right direction for me and I'm really excited that I'm just going to be able to say that I was the low am at this event and carry that into the next few events I play and then eventually into the next and final college season for me."
Gianchandani graduated from Yale in May with a degree in Statistics and Data Science and will join the Auburn golf team for the fall 2023 season and pursue a certificate in Business Analytics.
While at Yale, Gianchandani recorded five victories in collegiate tournaments in her including at the Boston College Invitational, the Yale Women's Fall Intercollegiate, and the Pinehurst Invitational. She was also awarded the 2023 Dinah Shore Trophy by the LPGA Foundations and the Friends of Golf Organization earlier in June.