England Golf Women's Squad star Nellie Ong has secured her place at the US Women's Open, which takes place at Riviera Golf Course, California from 4-7 June.
Ong, a member of Eaton Golf Club - Norwich, finished 2nd at the Final Qualfiying event at New Albany Country Club on Monday - as one of just two players to qualify from the 78-player field.
After posting a score of 70 (-2) in the morning, she birdied the final hole in the second round for a 74 (+2), to finish level-par for the event, which was enough to book her spot at the second women's major golf event of the year.
Czech Republic's Veronika Kedronova finished 1st and also qualified with an overall score of -1, just one ahead of Ong. Ong's fellow England Women's teammate Matilde Santilli finished three shots back in tied-3rd.
The Norfolk golfer said: "It was a tough test of golf - the course itself has some very difficult holes but the winds were around 25-35mph so it made it very tricky. I got myself off to a really nice start and a solid first round which settled me down. The second 18 holes, the wind was really gusting and I was able to keep my round going with some crucial short game shots.
"I was keeping an eye on the scores and could tell everyone was finding it tough, so I knew if I could hold myself together and keep my round going, I would have a pretty good shot of making it. I was the second group out so would be one of the first few people in. I could see the scores and conditions were getting harder. I knew I needed to finish no worse than level par to have any chance.
"To qualify means so much. I’ve worked super hard on my game and it's going to be so much fun getting an opportunity like this! I was so nervous the last three holes because it meant so much, so I’m glad I could get through.
"I was sitting in the clubhouse stressing for a while so I couldn’t fully celebrate until late! It was so nice, my teammates were so supportive and happy for me. It meant so so much. The first people I called were my parents. I called them as soon as I was done. I was very uptight as I didn’t know if what I shot would be enough - but they were very supportive and kept me relaxed. Everything my family has done for me on my whole golfing journey has meant the world. They are always the first people I call after I finish."
Looking ahead to the 81st US Women's Open, Ong added: "In terms of preparations, I’m going to be having a busy month of golf with both regionals and hopefully the national championships for Ohio State, so I will be doing a lot of competitive golf. I’m not sure who is caddying yet. I’m still trying to figure that one out as there are a few people in contention!
"I would love to tee it up alongside any of the tour pros! It will be cool to see Lottie (Woad) and Mimi (Rhodes), as I’ve been on teams with them previously, so it’s nice to know I will have people there I can look up to and be around."
After posting a score of 70 (-2) in the morning, she birdied the final hole in the second round for a 74 (+2), to finish level-par for the event, which was enough to book her spot at the second women's major golf event of the year.
Czech Republic's Veronika Kedronova finished 1st and also qualified with an overall score of -1, just one ahead of Ong. Ong's fellow England Women's teammate Matilde Santilli finished three shots back in tied-3rd.
The Norfolk golfer said: "It was a tough test of golf - the course itself has some very difficult holes but the winds were around 25-35mph so it made it very tricky. I got myself off to a really nice start and a solid first round which settled me down. The second 18 holes, the wind was really gusting and I was able to keep my round going with some crucial short game shots.
"I was keeping an eye on the scores and could tell everyone was finding it tough, so I knew if I could hold myself together and keep my round going, I would have a pretty good shot of making it. I was the second group out so would be one of the first few people in. I could see the scores and conditions were getting harder. I knew I needed to finish no worse than level par to have any chance.
"To qualify means so much. I’ve worked super hard on my game and it's going to be so much fun getting an opportunity like this! I was so nervous the last three holes because it meant so much, so I’m glad I could get through.
"I was sitting in the clubhouse stressing for a while so I couldn’t fully celebrate until late! It was so nice, my teammates were so supportive and happy for me. It meant so so much. The first people I called were my parents. I called them as soon as I was done. I was very uptight as I didn’t know if what I shot would be enough - but they were very supportive and kept me relaxed. Everything my family has done for me on my whole golfing journey has meant the world. They are always the first people I call after I finish."
Looking ahead to the 81st US Women's Open, Ong added: "In terms of preparations, I’m going to be having a busy month of golf with both regionals and hopefully the national championships for Ohio State, so I will be doing a lot of competitive golf. I’m not sure who is caddying yet. I’m still trying to figure that one out as there are a few people in contention!
"I would love to tee it up alongside any of the tour pros! It will be cool to see Lottie (Woad) and Mimi (Rhodes), as I’ve been on teams with them previously, so it’s nice to know I will have people there I can look up to and be around."
ENDS
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org