John Rochelle is an inclusive tournament director.
So when the founder of this weekend's 11th Memorial Amateur Championship at Ancil Hoffman received a call from Jenni Jenq about entering, he was receptive to having the event's first female participant.
"It's an open event. As long as you have the requisite (1.8 or better) handicap," he said. "I don't have any prohibition against any gender. Now I have my miniature Michelle Wie."
Jenq isn't trying to break barriers. The 22-year-old Saratoga resident recently graduated from the all-women Wellesley College in Massachusetts.
She received a generic postcard in the mail, saw that her 1.3 handicap qualified, and inquired thinking the Memorial was a women's tournament. She wasn't dissuaded when finding out different.
"I'm not concerned about beating the guys," Jenq said. "I'm just interested in hitting good shots under pressure."
Among her past 20 posted scores, Jenq has two better than 75. She knows that contending in the Memorial is impossible and making the cut improbable, considering she will be playing from Ancil's 6,725-yard back tees with the rest of the field.
Rochelle tested her, suggesting that she'll get some media attention and the cold shoulder from some competitors who hope she embarrasses herself.
"In some respects, I tried to discourage her," Rochelle said. "When I couldn't, that made me think she was going to be OK."
Jenq is a four-time Wellesley MVP and an aspiring LPGA Tour player who has been competing as an amateur against the pros in Cactus Tour events in Arizona. She's not predicting success, but the 5-foot-3, 115-pounder doesn't want to look back on a dream not pursued.
"Playing professionally is something I've always dreamt about," she said. "My parents have always pushed me to be practical. I don't want to have any regrets."
Ancil will play to a par of 70 after Rochelle shortened slightly Nos. 10 and 18, taking holes that typically play as par-5s and making them par-4s.
Tee times for the 144 players range from 7 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The field will be cut to the low third for Monday. Monday's leaders will tee off about 9:30 a.m. The leading groups will be followed by sign bearers to keep spectators apprised of scoring.
County follow-through
Tracy Nichols shot an Ancil Hoffman women's course record 6-under-par 67 in the first round last year en route to a three-shot win in the Sacramento County Women's Championship.
Nichols retained her title last weekend, but she did it with grit. Her final-round 72 Sunday included birdies on the last two holes for a two-round 147 total and a one-shot win over Heather LeMaster and Kelly Wilson.
Nichols was so focused, "I think I blacked out for the back nine," she said. She made a 20-foot putt on No. 17 and 20-incher on No. 18.
Nichols, who turns 25 next week, is planning to give the LPGA qualifying tournament another shot this fall.
"My pro aspirations are stronger than ever," said Nichols, the lead programs coach for the First Tee of Greater Sacramento.
Jeff Burda of Modesto won the County Senior Men's Championship at Ancil with a two-round total of 7-under 137. He won by four shots over Sacramento's Chris McKenna.
Call The Bee's Steve Pajak, (916) 326-5526.
