Spector passes up Whaley meeting Greater Hartford Open qualifier a subject of Maine golfer’s film project

BOOTHBAY – If Abby Spector wasn’t in Boothbay this week for the Women’s Maine State Golf Association championship, she probably would be in Connecticut right now.

Spector, the former Waterville High standout and six-time WMSGA champion, had a chance to meet Suzy Whaley, the Connecticut pro who played in last week’s Greater Hartford Open.

Whaley, who like Spector played golf at the University of North Carolina, was the first woman to qualify for a spot in a PGA event since 1945. Annika Sorenstam played in a PGA event this year but entered on a sponsor’s exemption.

Spector has never met Whaley, but the 22-year-old Waterville resident is working on a documentary on female golfers as part of a communications class through UNC. Spector used her final year of eligibility in 2002-03 and plans to graduate in December.

“She came to my mind right away,” said Spector, a communications major. “We were looking for someone who is overcoming obstacles in professional golf, which is exactly what she’s doing. We were looking for someone who was doing it for social reasons instead of someone like Annika, who is trying to get better at golf. Suzy’s doing it more to encourage girls to play, and her daughters in particular.”

Spector is working on the project with UNC film professor and occasional golf partner Hap Kindem. He was to interview Whaley on Tuesday, then head to Boothbay to film Spector during Wednesday’s second round.

Spector also played in a men’s tournament this year. She was the only woman in the field at the Greater Portland Open in June and posted the second-best amateur score.