There were the expected names on the press release issued this afternoon by the Kraft Nabisco Championship announcing the amateur invitees to this year's 40th anniversary event: U.S. Women's Amateur champion Danielle Kang, AJGA player of the year__Kristen Park__, U.S. Curtis Cupper__Cydney Clanton__ and USC All-American Lisa McCloskey.
It was the fifth name, however, that was cause for pause.
Three-time U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur champion__Meghan Stasi__.
It's nice to see tournament director__Gabe Codding__ recognize a player who isn't half the age of the Kraft Nabisco itself. The 32-year-old from Oakland Park, Fla., the former women's coach at Mississippi has earned her spot by giving today's youth all they can handle on the amateur circuit.
Meanwhile, the track record for amateur success at the Kraft is pretty strong. Consider their results from recent years.
BLOGGER NOTE: Original story was posted Feb. 14. On Feb. 16, an additional player, 15-year-old Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand was also given an exemption into the tournament
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