75 PLAYERS PURSUE 5 PLACES IN THE U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN

ladies-european-tourA field of 75 competitors are playing in the 36-hole US Women’s Open Sectional Qualifier (Europe) at Buckinghamshire Golf Club in England today in pursuit of five spots available for the US Women’s Open Championship, to be played at Lancaster Country Club on 9-12 July.

This is the second year that the United States Golf Association (USGA) has instituted international qualifying in recognition of the global growth and strength of women’s golf. In case of a tie for the final spot, a play-off will be held immediately following play. The first two alternates will also be determined by a hole by hole play-off if necessary.

Considered one of the world’s premier women’s golf major championships, the U.S. Women’s Open is conducted annually by the USGA. It is open to professional female golfers and amateur females with a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 2.4. The championship was first conducted in 1946 and boasts an impressive list of winners, including Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright, Hollis Stacy, Amy Alcott, Meg Mallon, Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak, Juli Inkster, Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer and Inbee Park.