2011 Top 60 Women’s Classic

Burnett Birdies to Win Top 60 Women's Classic in a Playoff
Burnett outlasts Wright in two-hole playoff

MACON, Ga. --- First-round leader Katie Burnett of Brunswick fought off a charge from Kendall Wright of Sugar Hill, posting a birdie on the final hole of regulation to force a playoff, then birdied the second playoff hole to capture the 30th annual Georgia Top 60 Women's Classic at The Brickyard at Riverside.

Burnett entered the day with a one-stroke lead over Wright and Lee. She increased her lead to two shots over Wright by the turn, but a double-bogey on No. 10 narrowed the gap. Wright then went on a charge, posting birdies on three of the last seven holes. Wright owned a one-stroke lead going into 18, but Burnett chipped to within three feet on the final hole and made the birdie putt to force extra holes.

Both players parred 18 (the first playoff hole). Burnett had a chance to close out the playoff, but couldn't capitalize on a six-foot birdie opportunity. Both players then hit excellent drives on the second playoff hole, the 293-yard 17th. Burnett was about 15 yards closer and chipped to eight feet, then sank the birdie putt for the win.

Yugene Lee of Athens finished third, two shots out of the playoff at 1-over 143. Lauren Court of Lawrenceville won the first flight and finished fourth overall, tied with Lacey Fears of Bonaire at 145. Margaret Shirley of Athens eagled the 18th hole to move into a tie for sixth with Lindsay Adams of Lilburn (147). Tess Fordham of Metter placed eighth at 148, while second-flight winner Kimberly Graff of Lilburn tied with Susan Rheney of Greensboro for ninth (152).

Other flight winners included Mary Holmes of Cleveland in the third (154) and Carolyn Hooks of Augusta in the fourth flight (166).

The par-71 layout at The Brickyard at Riverside played to 5,780 yards for all flights. All players in the field were eligible for the overall title.

Originally known as the Top 40 Women's Competition, this event was established in 1989 to showcase the top female amateurs in Georgia. The field, which expanded to 56 in 2002, was expanded again to 60 in 2003 and the event was renamed. The field was determined by handicap index, with the 60 lowest entrants receiving positions in the field. The field was divided into five flights (Championship and first through fourth) by handicap index. Entries were open to female amateur golfers who are GSGA members.