Brooks, MacLeod Square Off in Final
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
RUMFORD – Moments after winning her semifinal match, Emily Brooks was back on the putting green, preparing for the final of the 2024 Women’s Amateur Championship, which will be played Friday at Wannamoisett Country Club.
Brooks, 30, of Wanumetonomy Golf & Country Club, understands what it takes to win since she won this major championship on her home course in 2021. After beating Kyle Eaton, 2&1, Thursday, Brooks wasn’t satisfied with her putting, so it was back to work on that aspect of her game. She will face Morgan MacLeod, 20, of Wannamoisett CC, after she defeated Lily Dessel, 2&1, in their semifinal match.
So, it will be experience vs. home-course advantage for the title.
“It feels great,” Brooks said. “It’s exciting. I’m hitting the ball well and it’s been really fun to play and compete. I’m just so excited to be in the finals.”
After MacLeod closed out her match on No. 17, she remained on the course and watched as Brooks beat Eaton. Brooks then walked over to MacLeod, shook her hand and said, “See you tomorrow.”
“I’ve never played with Morgan, so it’ll be fun,” Brooks said. “I know this is her home track and it’ll be great.”
MacLeod spends as much time as possible practicing at Wannamoisett and she’s been focused on winning this championship on her home course.
“It would definitely mean a lot,” she said. “Hopefully that can happen . . . “I really don’t know Emily that well, but I know she’s a great player. It should be a fun match.”
Brooks is one of the longest hitters off the tee on the women’s circuit, but she admitted her putting feels a bit “shaky” this week, which is one reason she stayed Thursday and putted. She also said she planned on putting in her apartment to prepare for the final.
MacLeod has been in this position before, but lost to Kylie Eaton, 4&2, in the championship at Wanumetonomy G&CC in 2021. Before MacLeod returns to Merrimack for school in a few weeks, she would finally like to etch her name on the Women’s Amateur trophy.
“I’m excited,” MacLeod said. “I’m glad to be back in the finals. I’m ready.”
As far as the home-course advantage, at this stage of the championship, MacLeod should have the edge on the greens, which bodes well for her, especially since Brooks isn’t pleased with her putting. However, consistency has been one key factor for Brooks this week. She’s led every match after nine holes, so it will be important once again to gain the lead early.
“I’m just trying to stay in the moment and execute the shot at hand,” she said. “At the end of the round I’m going to have a beer no matter what, so it’s going to be a good day.”