Ko, Kim Qualify for 2019 U.S. Women's Open
Naomi Ko shot 3-under par to finish as medalist at the U.S. Women’s Open Sectional Qualifier played Thursday at OGA Golf Course in Woodburn. Ko is joined by Auston Kim as players who advance to compete in the national championship scheduled for May 30-June 2 at Country Club of Charleston in Charleston, S.C.
Ko, an amateur from Victoria, B.C., carded an opening-round 70 and followed that up with a final-round 71. She birdied five of the first 18 holes to jump out to an early lead and ended the event as the only player in the field to play both rounds under par.
Ko, who recently wrapped up her senior season at North Carolina State where she played collegiately, was also the low amateur for the qualifier.
The second spot came down to a playoff between Kim, from St. Augustine, Fla., and Paula Reto of Coral Springs, Fla. Kim posted rounds of 70 and 72 on the day, before making par on the second hole to win the playoff. Reto forced the playoff with a final-round 69, but ends up first alternate from this sectional.
Christine Wong, Julianne Alvarez and Rino Saski each finished 1-under par to force a playoff for the second alternate position. Wong, a professional from Vancouver, B.C., won the playoff on the second hole with a par.
The qualifier featured 36-holes and a mixed field of professionals and amateurs. All told, there were 57 entrants – 42 amateurs and 15 professionals.
Also notable at the competition, Grace Frazier of Clarkston, Wash., recorded an ace on the 17th hole with an 8 iron from 150 yards. It was her second-to-last hole of the day.
