What to Know

• Cinderella stories: No. 64 Arianna Lau (HKG) and No. 63 Ella Scaysbrook (AUS) are into the quarters after giant-slaying runs.
• Wind test: Gusts to the mid-20s mph turned Thursday into pure links golf — flight control and patience ruled.
• Star power: World No. 1 Kiara Romero (USA) advanced with clinical match-play control.
• Marathon golf: Brooke Biermann (USA) played 41 holes in one day to survive and advance.
• Global field: Quarterfinalists represent Hong Kong China, Australia, Thailand, Canada, and the USA.

Quarterfinal Matchups (Friday)

QF 1 — Arianna Lau (HKG) vs. Brooke Biermann (USA)

Arianna Lau — The 64-Seed Disruptor

The last player into match play has turned into Bandon’s biggest bracket-buster. Lau toppled medalist Emilia Doran in the Round of 32, then dispatched Spain’s Carolina Lopez-Chacarra in the afternoon 5 and 4. The Hong Kong national team member thrives in the wind, shaping low, running approaches that fit links golf perfectly.

Brooke Biermann — The Ironwoman

Michigan State alum Brooke Biermann played 41 holes on Thursday, including a 22-hole morning match win over Olivia Duan. Her combination of gritty putting and consistent ball-striking has made her one of the toughest outs in the bracket.

QF 2 — Lyla Louderbaugh (USA) vs. Kiara Romero (USA)

Lyla Louderbaugh — Midwest Precision

The Buffalo, Mo. native showed ruthless efficiency in a 3-and-2 win over Katelyn Kong in the Round of 16. Louderbaugh's ability to flight her irons and hole momentum-stopping putts has carried her through the gauntlet.

Kiara Romero — The No. 1 Seed Delivers

The world’s top-ranked amateur has looked every bit the favorite. Romero cruised past Andie Smith in the Round of 16, 4 and 3, with precise approaches and a calm demeanor in the wind. She’s chasing her first USGA title to go with her dominant college season at Oregon.

QF 3 — Ella Scaysbrook (AUS) vs. Taylor Kehoe (CAN)

Ella Scaysbrook — The 63-Seed Surprise

Australia’s Scaysbrook knocked out Jasmine Koo in the Round of 16 with another display of aggressive, fearless match play. Her length off the tee and attacking mindset have made her a dangerous opponent despite the low seed.

Taylor Kehoe — Canada's Rising Star

The Canadian junior survived the longest match of the afternoon, winning on the 23rd hole against Rayee Feng. Kehoe has shown a knack for clutch par saves and controlled aggression into Bandon’s tricky greens.

QF 4 — Eila Galitsky (THA) vs. Megha Ganne (USA)

Eila Galitsky — Thai Composure

Thailand’s Galitsky, a past Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific champion, showed her match-play mettle by edging Natalie Yen 1 up. Her composed demeanor and world-class short game make her a constant threat in pressure situations.

Megha Ganne — Major-Tested

A multiple-time U.S. Women’s Open qualifier, Ganne dispatched Kary Hollenbaugh 2 and 1 in the Round of 16. The Stanford standout’s blend of experience and tactical course management could carry her deep this weekend.

Bandon Themes: What This Eight Says About the Future

• Global pipeline: National teams and international amateur circuits are producing finishers, not just phenoms.
• College parity: Oregon, Stanford, Kansas, Michigan State — multiple pathways, same ceiling.
• Wind skills = currency: Knock-downs, flight control, and smart targets separate contenders on links-style setups.
• Mental game wins weeks: Resilience after mistakes, steady tempo, and disciplined decision-making travel in match play.