Melbourne, Australia: Maddison Hinson-Tolchard and Caitlin Peirce, who formed a formidable partnership for the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) at last year’s Patsy Hankins Trophy, have been announced as recipients of the Karrie Webb Scholarship.
West Australian Hinson-Tolchard and South Australian Peirce were among the standout players in the APGC team that was defeated by the European Golf Association in the Solheim Cup-style encounter in Spain last August.
The Karrie Webb Scholarship sees two Australian women amateurs spend time with and be mentored by the seven-time Major winner in the US in June.
The scholarships are awarded annually based on performance in the KW Series, the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), community work inside or outside of golf, and performance and demeanour as an ambassador for golf in Australia and overseas.
Karrie Webb said: “This season has been fun to watch as there were lots of new faces putting their hands up and playing good golf as well as names we would have expected. In the end, it’s two familiar names to me who are being awarded the scholarships this year.
“Maddy Hinson-Tolchard has had a very consistent college season and played well in some big events. It’s great to see Maddy have a great last season of college golf and I’m happy that she’s once again a scholarship recipient.
“A couple of years ago Caitlin Pierce rose through the ranks to be somewhat of a surprise recipient. Caitlin’s golf game has continued to grow and improve, so her dominant performance in the Aussie amateur events wasn’t a surprise. I’m really excited for Caitlin to again be a KW recipient.
“I look forward to helping mentor the girls over the coming year and spending some time with them during the US summer.”
Hinson-Tolchard, currently 28th in the WAGR, and Peirce, 78th, both enjoyed outstanding years in 2023.
Hinson-Tolchard’s past 12 months included winning the Big 12 Championship in the US, representing Australia at the World Amateur Team Championship and earning her first start in a Major championship, the US Women’s Open, after coming through qualifying.
“I loved the chance to be with Karrie last year and can’t wait to do even more with her this year. It’s a real bonus for us Australian girls to be able to spend as much time as we do with one of golf’s all-time greats,” said the 22-year-old, who plays her golf on the US collegiate circuit and is preparing for next week’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
In 2023, 21-year-old Peirce, played alongside Hinson-Tolchard in the World Amateur Team Championship and won the Bowra & O'Dea Women's Classic at The Western Australian Golf Club.
Peirce was also a member of the Australian team at last week’s 44th Queen Sirikit Cup, an event in which Webb represented her country during her amateur days.
Peirce said: “I’m looking forward to being able spend time with Karrie again. The last time I won a scholarship in 2022 is definitely a highlight of my amateur career and I see this as an invaluable experience before testing my skills at Q-school later this year.”
As well as getting the opportunity to spend time with Webb, Hinson-Tolchard and Peirce will receive funding from Nippon Shaft to compete in overseas tournaments this year.
Golf Australia’s Women and Girls Pathway Manager Stacey Peters said: “Our congratulations go to Maddy and Caitlin for earning this year’s scholarships through their wonderful efforts on and off the course. We’re very excited to see how their careers progress.
“We are honoured to have Karrie and Nippon Shaft’s on-going support and investment in Australian golf. This has allowed us to grow both the KW Series and the financial value of the scholarships this year, as well as adding the new Karrie Webb Coaching Scholarship.”
The Karrie Webb Scholarship dates back to 2008 with past recipients including Minjee Lee, Hannah Green, Grace Kim and Kirsten Rudgeley.
*Article courtesy Golf Australia
