Erika Smith wins the Taco Bell Natchez Classic…a second time
(Natchez, MS) – It was a familiar scene on the 18th green for Erika Smith (Orlando, FL), who claimed the 2024 Taco Bell Natchez Classic title. Smith once again found herself putting for the win, the same as she did just two years previous at Beau Pre Country Club. Despite missing four cuts before the Taco Bell Natchez Classic, the Orlando native showed her persistence with not only making this cut, but walking away at the top of the leaderboard.
“I don't think I came into this with any expectations especially because I’ve had a tough last few months. I missed my last four cuts and then I came here and the first cut I made I won, so I didn’t really have any expectations and maybe that helped but it feels incredible,” said Smith.
Smith finished the tournament with rounds of 67, 69, 70, and 64 for a total of 18-under par. During the final round, she birdied seven out of the first nine holes, which gave her a six shot cushion from Claire Vermette (St. Petersburg, FL) heading into the back nine.
“I think today I was just so focused on keeping myself level headed. I didn’t want to let my nerves get to me or anything so I just made sure I was taking deep breaths, you know staying calm and just hitting one good shot after another,” said Smith.
Vermette finished the tournament with 70, 69, 67, and 70 to take second place with a total of 12-under par. With her second place finish, Vermette will join Smith with an exemption into EPSON Tour’s Copper Rock Championship, May 16-18.
A special thank you to our title sponsor Taco Bell, Tournament Director Woody Allen, Housing Coordinator Sue Loy, Tournament Committee David Harris, Head Professional David Meyer, Superintendent Jaimie Puckett and members of the Beau Pre Country Club for a great week! Follow along with the action on our socials: Instagram: @womensallprotour Twitter: @WomenAllProTour.
