New Zealand Women’s Amateur Championship t the Mount Maunganui Golf Club

“The putts were dropping a lot more today which was nice and Sarah played really well so it was nice to have that added pressure. It heightens the focus.

“I made a soft bogey on my 17th hole and I stood on the sixth tee and put a good one down there and made eagle to finish well at even par. I have a lot more momentum now.

Alvarez knows that three top players in Lydia Ko, Emily Perry and Chantelle Cassidy are not here this week but she still holds hopes of being selected for the Espirito Santo in September.

Wellington’s Julianne Alvarez won Callaway Razr X Tour irons the women’s qualifying after carding an even par 72 in round two to win by two shots from fellow New Zealand rep Sarah Bradley. I felt really confident that I was backing myself and that made me feel good,” said the 15-year-old from Manor Park.

“My aim for the tournament was to play good so I would still be looked at for the Espirito Santo team – a good solid performance will get me looked at for that team.”
“I am really looking forward to playing Match Play on this course because it is the perfect Match Play Mizuno MP-58 irons course – there is a lot of risk and reward out there. Hopefully I’ll make it through to the final on Sunday and would love to meet Julianne there.”

“Today was a grinding day,” said the Waikato rep Bradley

“I feel good about being the No.1 seed but you know Match Play is anyone’s game. It is there for anyone now Ping G20 fairway wood and it’s unpredictable. I am not taking anything for granted.”

With the two rounds of Stroke Play in qualifying complete the top 32 women players have been found to contest the NZ Amateur.

“It is good to have an opportunity to win this title. Julianne is a great golfer and she showed that today. I am taking the mindset that I am going to go for it and try and win this title.

Meantime Bradley was happy with her finish on the sixth hole that saw her come up with an eagle.