“It’s definitely surprising, the
number of amateurs, but it’s nice too,”
said Katie Burnett, 22, who last
month turned pro after completing
her college career at South Carolina.
“You know, it’s starting to get really
competitive in women’s golf, and it’s
really good for the sport.”
Catherine Lacoste, in 1967, is the
lone amateur to have won the U.S.
Women’s Open, but amateurs have
been a threat for decades. Nancy
Lopez was runner-up to Sandra
Palmer in 1975, while 14 years ago at
Blackwolf Run it was Jenny Chuasi-
riporn pushing Se Ri Pak to sudden
death. More recently, Brittany Lang
and Morgan Pressel ended up T- 2
behind Birdie Kim in 2005, and
Michelle Wie finished T- 3 in 2006,
missing a playoff with Annika
Sorenstam and Pat Hurst.
“I think it’s going to happen [again]
eventually, if only [because of] the
sheer numbers [competing],” said
veteran Wendy Ward, a four-time
LPGA winner, on the possibility of
another amateur winner. “These girls
today don’t seem
to have any fear,
and they are really
very determined.
Although Yin, 13,
missed the cut,
she gained valuable
experience as the
youngest of the
28 amateurs in
the Women’s
Open field.
sional men’s pool because of the
greater number of tours worldwide.
“I think you combine that with the
junior programs out there and the
level of play by amateurs on the
women’s side is closer to [being] on
par with the pros,” he said. “It’s a
fascinating question, and frankly, I
see this continuing, just as we see in
tennis. When a younger player excels,
it’s usually on the women’s side.”
Three amateurs made the cut at
Blackwolf Run, including Lydia Ko
of New Zealand, the top-ranked
player on the World Amateur Golf
Ranking. During Saturday’s third
round, Ko played alongside Stacy
Lewis, who was second in the Rolex
Rankings behind Yani Tseng. She
beat her too, 79-80, on a windy and
vexing afternoon.
“Playing with the world No. 2
professional … that doesn’t come that
easy,” said Ko, who admitted to being
intimidated—mostly by the size of the
crowd. “[But] just because we’re ama-
teurs doesn’t mean that we are worse
than them. I guess we are all in the
same position, except they are
professionals, and sometimes it’s just
age that’s stopping people.”
But, perhaps, not much longer.
“Women’s golf as a whole is
flourishing, and it’s just going to get
better and more competitive,” said
Gerina Piller, who didn’t start playing
golf until 15, and at 27 played in her
first Women’s Open. “I wish I’d have
gotten the kind of experience that
these girls have now. It’s huge that
they are traveling to different areas
for AJGA and then, obviously, a big
stage like this.
“Regardless of what they are
shooting, the learning experience is
tremendous, seeing various courses
and conditions, the greens and
grasses,” Piller said. “I don’t think you
gauge them on results right now. Just
the fact they are getting the chance is a
real plus for them whenever they do
turn pro.” n
