July 27, 2016, Pinehurst, NC

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The 2016 Moore County Women’s Amateur hosted by Pinewild Country Club of Pinehurst was another great success for the players and for Friend to Friend.

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Ashlii Thompson, a rising senior at UNC Pembroke, had two strong rounds of 73-72 on the 5,902-yard Magnolia course, besting the field by six strokes.

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“I love this course and the set up was fun,” Thompson said. “I had to choose my clubs carefully off the tee. There was some heavy rough out there. A real challenge.”

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Thompson is studying sports management and is excited about getting back to classes. When asked about her future plans, she said, “I haven’t made up my mind yet. I could go to grad school, coaching is really interesting, but I might give the professional tour a try.”

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If enthusiasm is the only criteria for success, she is unstoppable.

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Runner-up Megan Munroe of Raeford had a stellar second round of par 72 for a two-day total of 151. Second and third places were won by Pinehurst residents, Elizabeth Nguyen — with a 152 two-day total — and Gabrielle Weiss — 153.

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The field also included the 2014 Moore County Women’s Amateur champion, Mary-Katelyn Holanek.

Another past champion now competing in the Friendship division of the tournament was Patty Moore. She came away the decisive winner on the 5,181-yard course with scores of 75-71 for a two-day total of 146.

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Four years ago, this competition formed a relationship with Friend to Friend. Each year a portion of the entry fees are donated, plus there is the sale of raffle tickets for donated prizes and generous sponsors. This year more than $6,000 was raised for the women’s shelter based in Carthage. This brings the four-year total donations to well over $20,000.

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Anne Friesen, executive director of Friend to Friend, was on hand to thank all of the participants.

“We are so appreciative of this event,” said Friesen. “We are a relatively small organization and your support means so much. We love the idea of women helping women.”

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In addition to their ongoing service to women who are victims of domestic violence, she reminded her audience that North Carolina is fifth in the nation in human trafficking. There was an audible gasp from the women in the room.

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“So many of our clients arrive at the shelter with just the clothes on their backs,” Friesen said. “Sometimes those clothes are just pajamas. Friend to Friend provides shelter and clothing, then goes beyond to find these women and their children permanent housing, perhaps a job, and even transportation.”

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If you or someone you know needs help, call the 24-hour crisis line at (910) 947-3333.

This event continues to grow and reflect the goals of providing excellent competition on the finest Moore County courses and support of an important service to the women in need in this county.

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