Goshen, Connecticut (July 13, 2026) – Maddie Chang opened with a 1-under 71 in the first round of the 61st Connecticut Women’s Amateur to take the early lead.
Playing on a sunny, gorgeous day at Torrington Country Club, Chang began her day with a 30-foot downhill birdie on the opening par-4 first and never looked back.
Speaking of her opening birdie, Chang (Ridgefield GC) said, “It was a really nice (way to start). It was a tricky putt. It was pretty downhill. I feel kind of lucky that it went in, but it was really nice to get some momentum.”
Chang did give a shot back with her only bogey of the day on the par-5 sixth, but a bounce-back birdie from eight feet on the par-4 14th moved her back into the red for good.
Thanks to her late birdie and a run of pars to close out her round, Chang will carry a one-shot lead into the second round over Elle Reid (Black Hall Club), who posted an even-par 72. Reid’s round was highlighted by a chip-in eagle from 23 yards on the par-5 12th.
Rounding out the day one top-five are a trio of players in third at 4-over. The group includes Mia Rodgers (Fairview CC), Zorah Williams (Stonington CC), and 2023 champion Arabella Lopez (Redding CC). Defending champion Yvette O’Brien (Greenwich CC) is sixth at 6-over.
Play at the 61st Connecticut Women’s Amateur will continue with the second round on Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. The top 24 and ties will advance to Wednesday’s final round.
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut Women’s Amateur is one of 20 championships conducted by the Connecticut State Golf Association. The CSGA functions as an extension of the USGA and provides stewardship for amateur golf in Connecticut. Founded in 1899, it is the country’s oldest state golf association and conducts over 60 Championships, Qualifiers, and One Day Tournaments throughout the year.
