Naomi Eun Young Ko Qualifies for U.S. Women's Open

DuPont, Wash. – Naomi Eun Young Ko of Victoria, B.C. shot rounds of 74-67 to earn medalist honors at today’s U.S. Women’s Open qualifying held at The Home Course in DuPont, Wash.

Naomi Eun Young Ko of Victoria, B.C.
Naomi Eun Young Ko of Victoria, B.C.

Ko, a 19-year-old amateur, grabbed the only spot available at this qualifier to advance to the 71st U.S. Women’s Open Championship, which will be conducted July 7-10, 2016, at CordeValle in San Martin, Calif., the first time the championship will be played in the Bay Area.

The Washington State Golf Association (WSGA) is the local representative of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and conducted this qualifier for the U.S. Women’s Open Championship.

After shooting 2-over par 74 in today’s morning round, Ko bogeyed the par-4 first hole in the afternoon round and was seemingly out of the running, but then found her game and proceeded to go 6-under par over the remaining 17 holes, with birdies on three of her final five holes to grab the lead in the clubhouse.

Earning first alternate spot is Caroline Inglis of Eugene, Ore., who shot rounds of 72-71. Inglis, a senior at the University of Oregon, won the 2015 individual title at the Pac-12 championship, and is a second alternate for Team USA in the 2016 Curtis Cup.

After a seven-hole playoff, Muni He of Simi Valley, Calif. earned the second alternate spot.

For complete final results, please visit this page.

The U.S. Women’s Open is open to professional golfers and amateurs with a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 2.4. Sectional qualifying is being played over 36 holes at 21 sites across the United States as well as four international sites between May 9 and June 3

A total of 1,855 golfers have entered to play in this year’s championship. The USGA received entries for the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open from golfers in 48 states and 52 countries.

The U.S. Women’s Open is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the USGA, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.