Watson Won Sectional Qualifier for U.S. Women’s Open

Senior Sally Watson will turn professional before the tournament begins

30 May 2013

Stanford’s Sally Watson fired a four-over-par 148 to secure a spot at the U.S. Women’s Open and clinch the sectional qualifier at The Broadmoor’s par-71, 6,681-yard West Course.

Watson, like teammate Mariah Stackhouse, was the low medalist in one of 20 qualifiers conducted by the U.S. Golf Association. Players who qualify will compete at the U.S. Women’s Open, to be played on the Sebonack Golf Course in Southampton, N.Y., on June 27-30.

“As always in a USGA tournament, the course was set up tough,” said Watson, a Scotland native and former GB&I Curtis Cupper. “In particular, the greens were super-fast so good course management was key to scoring.”

On the 36-hole event, Watson opened with a one-over-par 72 for the low of the round on the 56-player field. In her second round she followed with a 76.

“I had five birdies in my first round which really helped considering I had quite a few bogeys too,” Watson continued. “The wind really picked up in the second round and was gusting which made hitting greens a lot more challenging. I didn’t have any birdies in the second round, which was unfortunate, but luckily I still managed to score well enough to qualify.”

Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Watson will graduate this June with a degree in international relations and will turn professional before the tournament. Later this year she will compete in qualifying tournaments for the LPGA and Ladies European Tour.

“I have played in the Ricoh Women’s British Open and the U.S. Women’s Open,” Watson said. “Knowing what to expect I think will definitely help me prepare this time around.”

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