At Walnut Grove Country Club in Dayton, Bella Flores carded a 5-under-par 67 to claim medalist honors and headline four golfers advancing from the Dayton sectional to the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.
Flores leads four qualifiers from Dayton
Flores' round included five birdies and an eagle, and she closed with a back nine of 32 on the par-72 layout that played at 6,276 yards. She finished one stroke ahead of Jie-En Lin, who shot a 68, while Emily Mathews and Taylor Snively each posted 69s to fill the four qualifying positions.
- Bella Flores — 67 (medalist)
- Jie-En Lin — 68
- Emily Mathews — 69
- Taylor Snively — 69
"The four qualifiers will compete in the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee, on August 4-9."
Local names, local course, and next steps
The Dayton sectional attracted players from across the region. Two Ohio players finished as the alternate spots: Mia Hammond of New Albany and Mary Grace Dunigan of Kennett Square, Pa., both at 2-under. Hammond and Dunigan will be first and second alternates should any qualifiers withdraw before the national championship begins in early August.
Several competitors with Miami Valley ties fell just short. Notable local attempts included players from Dublin, Delaware, Perrysburg and Toledo who posted scores inside the 70s but did not make the cut at 3-under par. The strength of the field at Walnut Grove and the firm setup of the course underscore how narrow the margins can be in sectional qualifying.
Results snapshot
| Qualifier | Hometown | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bella Flores | Kingwood, Texas | 67 |
| Jie-En Lin | Chinese Taipei | 68 |
| Emily Mathews | Mebane, N.C. | 69 |
| Taylor Snively | Zionsville, Ind. | 69 |
What it means for Dayton and Ohio golf
Walnut Grove's role as host brought national qualifier stakes to Dayton, giving local fans a look at elite amateur competition and offering area players a chance to join a national field. The four qualifiers move on to The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tenn., Aug. 4-9. For regional golf programs and college coaches, these sectionals remain an important showcase of talent and a reminder of the competitive depth in Ohio and the Midwest.
