The U.S. Senior Women’s Open debuted last year as a long overdue event to celebrate female professionals who had few places to compete. The tournament celebrates senior women’s golf on every level, however, and this year, 33 amateurs earned their way into the mix.
After two days at Pine Needles Resort in Southern Pines, N.C., the field was cut in half. There were 33 amateurs in the field at the start of the week. California native Sally Krueger leads the group at the halfway point after back-to-back rounds of 77. At 12 over, Krueger is 10 shots off the lead. So far, Helen Alfredsson is pacing the field at 2 over. She had a 2-under 69 in Friday’s second round.
Krueger, who is a 10-time winner of the San Francisco City Amateur, is one of only five amateurs to make the cut, which fell at 15 over.
In addition to Krueger, Canadians Judith Kyrinis – the 2017 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur champion – and Mary Ann Hayward advanced at 14 and 15 over, respectively.
Amy Ellerton advanced at 15 over, and Ellen Port also snuck in at that number. Port is a four-time USGA senior champion and former high school and college golf coach.
Amateurs at USSWO: 33 start, five make the weekend
Sally Krueger leads five amateurs who made the cut at Pine Needles