Angela Stanford, a.k.a. Ms. Consistency when it comes to playing Kingsmill’s River Course, is at it again.
Stanford, a 12-year LPGA veteran who turned professional after graduating from TCU in 2000, says Kingsmill’s River Course is “easily” her favorite on tour.
“You could put this venue on our schedule five times for all I care,” Stanford said. “There’s absolutely nothing I don’t like about this course.”
Her infatuation with Kingsmill’s 6,384-yard River Course is evident judging by how she’s performed here over the years.
Since the inaugural tournament in 2003, known then as the Michelob Open, Stanford has participated each year and is one of just two players, along with Natalie Gulbis, who have never missed a cut.
“I did not know that,” said Stanford after reporters questioned her about the streak. “Being one of only two players, that’s pretty cool.”
During her streak of nine consecutive cuts made, which includes this weekend’s tournament, Stanford has placed in the top 15 four times and twice in the top 10.
What this weekend has in store for Stanford has yet to be seen, but she couldn’t have asked for a much better start.
She carded a three-under-par 68 in each of her first two rounds Thursday and Friday – that word consistency comes to mind again – and sits a stroke back of leader Ariyah Jutanugarn at 6-under heading into the weekend.
Stanford, like many others, got off to a shaky start Friday – she bogeyed her first hole of the day – while having to cope with colder temperatures and stronger wind gusts that weren’t a factor during Thursday’s opening round.
Stanford adjusted nicely though to shoot 3-under the rest of the way with a pair of birdies on both the front and back nine to join top-ranked American Stacy Lewis – who also shot a 3-under 68 Friday – at 6-under for the tournament.
Stanford and leader Jutanugarn will be the final pairing to tee off Saturday at 1:40 on hole No. 1.
A devoted Texas Rangers fan, the Saginaw native is a long way from her current home in Fort Worth. It doesn’t feel that far though, she says.
“My parents come (to Kingsmill) every year, my mom’s coming late tonight, so I don’t know, this almost feels like home,” Stanford said. “Just laid back and people are so friendly that it’s just easy to be here and play.
“From the resort to the volunteers the community…the golf course is just awesome.”
