Competing this week on an invite from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is Emilia Migliaccio (Cary, North Carolina). She is not only competing in her home state but also where she competed collegiately for Wake Forest University. In her first three years at Wake Forest Migliaccio was a two-time First Team All-American and won the ACC Championship. When her junior season was cut short last year, she was looking for opportunities to compete and came across the Carolina Golf Classic presented by Blue Cross NC. Migliaccio finished in a tie for fourth last year and will make her second appearance this week.
“When I was asked if I wanted to play, I was just so excited because I'm in grad school but I still love golf,” said Migliaccio. “I love to work on my game and stay sharp. I was so excited, like it just reminded me, when you don't get to play competitive golf all the time, how much you love to compete. I love to be in that space of competitive golf. It's so thrilling and exciting, so I've been counting down the days.”
Since competing on the Epson Tour last year, Migliaccio has stayed busy between graduating college, competing in elite junior events and furthering her career in broadcast journalism.
“The Augusta National [Women’s Amateur] really marked a turning point in how and why I love the game,” said Migliaccio, who finished second after a playoff. “I was just so special being there with my mom who has been training me since I was 12. It really couldn’t have been a better setting between the history around us, but also all the fans who came out to cheer and watch women’s golf. It was such a special moment with all of those things.
Natalie Armbruester (Zurich, Switerland) and Christyn Carr (Duluth, Georgia) are also recipients of invites from Blue Cross NC this week. Both currently compete collegiately in North Carolina. Armbruster will be representing North Carolina State University. The sophomore for the Wolfpack has been a member of the Swiss National Women’s Team since 2017 and was a 2020 WGCA All-American Scholar.
“This invitation is a great opportunity for me to test my game against top professionals, especially as I prepare for my professional career after college. I am grateful to Page Marsh, my coach at NC State, and Blue Cross NC for giving me this invitation,” said Armbruester.
Carr will be competing on the Epson Tour for the second time this season. She competed earlier this year at the Epson Classic and has had a busy year full of growth and opportunities since.
“It feels so great and I am super excited. I hoped I would have the opportunity again, but I didn’t think it would come this fast and at my college’s home course. It is really surreal. I am so incredibly grateful to the Blue Cross NC for providing me this opportunity. Playing on tour has always been a dream of mine and to be able to return for a second time is such a blessing. As a senior nursing student, I know the great impact that the Blue Cross NC has on the people of NC and how they have helped others and myself in such a great way,” said Carr.