Mary Kelly Mulcahy’s year has reached a level of implausibility that she didn’t foresee.
The Lima native writes down her goals before each golf season, crossing them off when completed.
“National player of the year was one of them. Palmer Cup was one of them. This wasn’t one of them, but I guess it’s probably the best one of all,” Mulcahy said just before sunset Monday at Highland Meadows after qualifying for the Dana Open in a playoff.
It’s the continuation of a golf dream that includes being named the Division II player of the year at the University of Findlay and going 4-0 in the Palmer Cup while leading the Americans to victory in Ireland.
“It just shows you how much your hard work is paying off, and it just makes you want to work harder,” Mulcahy said. “I really am lucky.”
Former University of Kentucky All-American Jensen Castle won the qualifier with a score of 2-under-par 69. Mulcahy and LPGA veteran Brianna Do were 1 under, with Mulcahy edging her with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
Castle turned pro after the college season, ending a stellar amateur career. The South Carolina native won the 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur, finished second in the 2019 Junior PGA Championship, played in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur three times, and was part of two winning Curtis Cup teams.
Monday morning was the first time Castle stepped foot on the property at Highland Meadows. A yardage book was her only guide.
“I just followed my plan, figured out where I needed to hit the ball to stay in position, and honestly, it worked out for me,” Castle said.
The qualifier was played at Highland Meadows for the first time in at least a decade because there was no pro-am at the course. The venue allowed Castle and Mulcahy to build confidence on the course they’ll see during the tournament.
“It’s definitely a huge confidence [boost] knowing that I am capable of shooting under par out here, and I know what to expect,” Castle said. “The pins were pretty forgiving today, but still knowing that you can’t be long and knowing where you shouldn’t be hitting it is important out here.”
Golf has been a life-long venture for Mulcahy, the daughter of Shawnee Country Club head golf professional and former University of Toledo golfer Steve Mulcahy. He’s been regarded as one of the best teachers in the state by Golf Digest and is a former Toledo Area PGA Player of the Year.
Daughters Mary Kelly, Meghan, Erin, and Bridget followed in his footsteps, with each playing on at least one state championship team at Lima Central Catholic. Mary Kelly was a four-time All-Ohio selection and led LCC to three state titles.
The rising senior is a three-time Division II All-American. Last season, she set a program record with seven wins in 13 events. She finished in the top three 11 times.
Mulcahy was the only Division II golfer selected for the Palmer Cup, and then proved her worth with an unblemished record. Monday further cemented her status as one of the best college players in the country, regardless of division.
“I’ve been telling her over the last year, ‘You play 6,300-yard golf courses, your stroke average is what it is,” Steve Mulcahy said. “You’re as good as the players that are playing at the Dukes and Arizona States of the world.’ That Palmer Cup, I think, truly solidified it for her. She fit right in with the best players in the world and just played great over there.”
Now she can judge herself against professionals.
“Some guy just took me on a cart to get a little temporary status card, and I just have no idea what I’m doing,” Mary Kelly said. “I’m just going to have to figure that out for the next few days.”
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