Ally McDonald Qualifies for U.S. Women’s Open

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) – The same day she was named a WGCA All-American, Mississippi State women’s golfer Ally McDonald qualified for the United States Women’s Open in Sanford, N.C.

(HailState.com)

The 11th-rated golfer in the world and second in the United States, McDonald shot consecutive 72s to finish the two-round event at Carolina Trace Country Club with a 144.

“It’s a blessing and honor to be able to play in one of the most prestigious tournaments in women’s golf,” an excited McDonald said. “I have a lot of work to do before the Open, but I cannot wait to be out there with the best of the best! God is so good!”

McDonald’s score tied Australia’s Rebecca Artis, but the Fulton, Miss., native birdied the opening playoff hole to secure the top amateur finish and punch her card to the prestigious championship which will be played June 19-22 at Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst, N.C.

“Ally is working hard and it shows,” MSU head coach Ginger Brown Lemm said. “She had her sights set on playing on the Curtis Cup team and qualifying for US Open at Pinehurst. Her last goal is to defend her North South Amateur title at Pinehurst in July. Her commitment to her routine will enable her to handle all that comes with the next level of play in these venues. It’s the same game, same routine and same belief. We work on that constantly.”

Australia’s Stacey Keating took the top spot with a 140. Marta Silva of Spain followed with a 141, while Weiling Hsu of Chinese Taipei finished one shot ahead of McDonald.