Natalie Mu walked away from the game after graduating from Cal in 2017. She picked up her clubs again during the pandemic and found her competitive spirit again. Her return to tournament golf culminated in a four-stroke victory at the second Southern California Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrieta, Calif. on Tuesday.

“The putter was working pretty well,” Mu told the SCGA. “I put a little extra love in my putter. I made a lot of putts, saved a lot of pars and I think that kind of saved both rounds yesterday and today. It was still a little nerve-racking, but I pulled through.”

Former Cal Poly golfer Caitlin Farley, who is currently a marking manager with Cobra Golf, finished second at 11-over 157 (78-79) while Shelly Haywood, former women's head coach at Arizona, finished third at 12-over 158 (77-81). Mu entered the final round in third place, two strokes behind Haywood and one behind Farley, but shot a final-round 74 to secure her first-ever SCGA victory. After shooting even par on her outward nine, Mu birdied holes 10 and 11 to open a three-stroke lead and was able to retain her spot at the top over her last seven holes to claim the title.

“It feels surreal and I want to thank everyone who (organized) the tournament,” Mu said. “I got those two birdies to start the back nine and that felt good…(and) I had a great sand save on hole 12.

“This is a great event for those who have been in the working world and just want to get back into playing like me,” Mu said. “I had a great time.”

View results for SCGA Women's Mid-Amateur

2025 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball qualifying roundup

Jacob Skov Olesen earns card at DP World Tour Q-School Final Stage

Charlie Woods helps Benjamin School to runner up finish at State Championships

2025 U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball Qualifying Roundup

FINAL RESULTS: PGA Tour Q-School First Stage