Holmdel’s Megha Ganne broke par in the opening round of the LGPA’s ShopRite Classic. She finished four over par in the professional tournament.
By Rich Chrampanis
GALLOWAY – For the second straight year, Holmdel High School senior Megha Ganne received an exemption to the LPGA’s ShopRite Classic but it was a different experience from one year ago. Playing in her home state, Ganne went from an unknown amateur one year ago to attracting galleries usually reserved for well-known professionals.
Ganne garnered worldwide headlines when she tied for the lead at the U.S. Women’s Open at the end of the first round in San Francisco in July. She went on to finish in a tie for 14th giving a glimpse of a future career as a top touring professional. “I didn’t expect to have so many people out here who were just supporting New Jersey and Holmdel,” Ganne said about the ShopRite Classic. “The crowds were really nice and that’s a really good feeling to have.
Megha signed autographs for fans following her second round in Galloway.
Once again, Ganne showed why her future is bright, shooting a 1-under-par 70 in the opening round at Seaview Golf Club. In the second round, Ganne was 2-under for the tournament through nine holes and in the position to make the cut in the professional event before fading to a 76 to finish 36 holes at 4-over-par. “I wish I would have done better but I definitely learned a lot,” Ganne said. “I’m happy with how I was playing for the first 27 holes of the event so it’s definitely trending in the right direction.” Just a few years ago, Ganne was in the gallery watching her favorite LPGA players and seeking autographs from the world’s best players. Now, she’s on the other side of the ropes and is still getting used to signing autographs for her ever growing legion of fans. “It’s unreal. I feel weird even going up to them and signing it,” Ganne said. “I feel like I should be on the other side. I can’t believe I have that much of an impact.”
One hundred thirty-two players from around the world competed in South Jersey at the LPGA’s tour stop. Ganne was the only one who needed a note from the principal to play in Thursday’s pro-am before teeing up Friday afternoon. “A lot of times we’ll get some wacky excuses. We didn’t have to look too far into it because she’s world-renowned,” Holmdel principal Matt Kukoda said. “I didn’t have to think too hard when I gave her an excused absence for this. We’re certainly proud of her. She’s representing Holmdel very well and she’s a great kid.”
Ganne was back at school Monday resuming her senior year getting ready for college at Stanford. While most professional golfers spend the entire week preparing to learn the course and practice leading up to the weekend, Ganne’s life as a high school student took priority. “I was in school up until Wednesday so I really didn’t miss anything,” she said. “I love going back to school, especially in person this fall. It just feels more normal than it has been the last couple of years.”
Ganne’s normal is not like everyone else. Through all the fanfare of playing at the ultimate level of golf, Ganne is staying on her path of getting an education before chasing her dreams of playing on the LPGA Tour.
The article originally appeared in the October 7 – 13, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
