15-Year-Old Michelle Xing Shoots 64 to Take One-Stroke Lead at ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada

Photos from the opening round can be found here.

On Thursday at the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada, amateur Michelle Xing recorded the best score of her young career, carding a 7-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead on the Heathlands at TPC Toronto – she is just 15-years old.

“I was hitting it really good and made some putts so it kind of all just worked today,” said Xing. “(My sister caddying for me today) was really happy the whole time, which helped. She kept me energized and positive even after I made bogey on 17.”

Playing out of Maple Downs Golf & Country Club near Toronto, Xing has had quite the summer, claiming three junior championships including the NextGen Ontario Championship where she fired 69-70-68 to win by five strokes.

“I hit a good wood shot and got a good look on the first hole for eagle, I just gave myself good opportunities and made a lot of them,” said Xing.

Taking advantage of the par 3s on Thursday, Xing managed three deuces on her card to go along with three other birdies and an eagle.

“This is my first time playing the course this week and I really like it,” said Xing. “The difficulty of this golf course comes with the tee shots, so if you can get yourself in good positions then that’s really half the work.”

Josee Doyon followed up her first-round 65 with a 70 on Thursday to head into the final round one-stroke back of the lead.

Joining Xing and Doyon in the final group on Friday is amateur Taylor Kehoe, who is the only player in the field to card two rounds in the 60s with week, firing a 68 today after yesterday’s 69.

Katie Cranston managed the round of the tournament on Thursday, carding a Heathlands women’s competitive-course-record 63. She heads into the final round in fourth place.

The top two players after the final round will earn a coveted spot in this month’s CPKC Women’s Open.

16 professionals and 14 amateurs made the 36-hole cut, which ended up being at +12.

Thanks to PING, there is a $4,500 bonus purse for PGA of Canada club professionals. Casey MacNeil is currently three strokes ahead of Emma de Groot and four strokes ahead of Caroline Ciot.

The 9th hole has been designated as the E-Z-GO ‘It’s Good to Go’ Hole of the Week. Any player that makes eagle on the hole will be entered into a draw for a $250 cash prize thanks to E-Z-GO. Two players have made eagle on the 9th hole this week, both coming on Wednesday: our leader Xing and Elliana Buhagiar – who also made a hole-in-one on the 8th hole on Thursday.

Final round tee times begin at 7 AM on Friday, with the final group set for 8:30 AM.