Amanda Jacobs of Portland has established herself as one of the best women's amateur golfers in the Pacific Northwest. The former Central Catholic High School and University of Idaho student and star golfer has had an impressive 2016 golf season, beginning with a win in the 2016 PNGA Women's Mid-Amateur Championship and winning the Inaugural Oregon Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship with teammate Gretchen Johnson. 

The season may have come to a peak for Jacobs, though, with an appearance in last week's quarterfinals at the 2016 U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur Championship, held at The Kahkwa Club in Erie, Pa. Jacobs' run to the final eight was her best appearance in the event, her third showing overall.

We had a chance to ask Jacobs, 28, some questions about her experience at last week's national championship --

OGA: How was your overall experience at last week's U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur Championship?

Jacobs: Overall experience - fantastic. The USGA does such a fabulous job with their events, it really makes you feel like a pro for the week. 

OGA: This was your third U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur, and fourth individual USGA event. How did that experience help you in this year's U.S. Women's Mid-Am?

Jacobs: Every tournament, and especially a USGA tournament, just playing and getting the experience and playing time is a huge asset. The first Mid-Am was such a rush, in terms of it's all new and coming from a gap of a long couple of years of competitive tournaments, it's special. Last year and this year felt more comfortable, like I knew the ropes and knew what to expect, so just the experience in these events helps you understand better, the ups and downs that happen with stroke play and match play. 

OGA: You've had an impressive summer here in the Pacific Northwest, winning the 2016 PNGA Women's Mid-Am and the Inaugural Oregon Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship with teammate Gretchen Johnson. How did you feel your game was entering play last week?

Jacobs: It's been a great summer. I've loved the opportunity to play in the OGA events as its been a long time since I've lived here and competed in their events. I've heard a lot about athletes that peak at the right time and I believe if you practice with the intent of winning a Mid-Am (which is ultimately the goal) that you're more able to execute it which I felt like I did. I had the opportunity to practice competitively with Gretchen quite a bit before the Mid-Am and I believe that was great preparation for the match play portion when playing one-and-one and really adapting to the situation at hand. 

OGA: What was the most thrilling moment from your experience at the U.S. Women's Mid-Am?

Jacobs: The past two Mid-Ams I've lost in the round of 32, so this year winning that match and more importantly the match of 16 and getting the exemption was the most exciting part. I thought that to make it to the final eight was a great accomplishment and [it's] exactly where I want my golf game to go. 

OGA: Do you have any golf plans for the rest of the year?

Jacobs: Not for tournaments. It's been a great season and the opportunities it has presented. Now it's time for less competitive fun golf!

OGA: Anything else you want to add?

Jacobs: My only note would be to add how great of players the Pacific Northwest has. We've consistently performed well at the USGA Mid-Am and I think it shows a lot to the type of people we have playing in state and regional events. So a big thank you to the OGA and PNGA for hosting such great events.