Miller and Klasse to Meet for MGA Women's Senior Match Play Title

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 CANNON FALLS, Minn. – In search of her second win of the 2023 season, Barb Miller defeated 2021 champion Claudia Pilot in 19 holes Saturday to advance to the final round of the 2023 Minnesota Golf Association Women’s Senior Amateur Match Play Championship at Cannon Golf Club.

Miller bounced back from an early deficit to take a 3-up lead over Pilot after the sixth hole Saturday, but the Minnesota golf Hall of Famer would win the seventh and Miller’s lead was trimmed to two headed to the final nine holes.

Seemingly in control by building a lead of four after the 13th hole, Miller watched as Pilot won four consecutive holes to tie the match at the 17th.

Miller made birdie on the first playoff hole to advance to the final round to face six-time champion Leigh Klasse.

Sinking a 45-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole, Miller lifted her and partner Cathy White to a win at the MGA Women's Senior Four-Ball Championship earlier this month at Owatonna Country Club.

Klasse, whose most recent win at the event came in 2017, defeated Tracey Donesky during the opening round Friday to face 2011 champion and last season’s runner-up Brenda Williams on Saturday.

Building a 3-up lead over Williams through nine holes, Klasse won three consecutive holes beginning at the 11th to close out the match with a birdie at the 13th, 6 and 5.

The championship match of the 2023 MGA Women’s Senior Amateur Match Play Championship is scheduled to begin at 12:56 p.m. at Cannon Golf Club.