Judith Kyrinis soaking in Shinnecock Hills Experience

SOUTHAMPTON, NY (June 12, 2018) - On Monday at the U.S. Open Judith Kyrinis looked like she was just another golf fan. There she should stood outside the ropes between the 14th green and the 15th tee box at Shinnecock Hills flag and pen in hand seeking an autograph from Alexander Noren as he made his way through his practice round.

Fast forward roughly 24-hours and Kyrinis will be far from just another golf fan, she will be one of 12 2017 USGA champions playing in the inaugural Celebration of Champions.

"It's something, [playing the course 36-hours before the tournament starts] that not many people have the opportunity to do so I am very thankful to do this for sure," said the the 2017 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur.

Related: U.S. Senior Women's Am: Kyrinis Wins All-Canada Final

Kyrinis, from Canada, made the trip to Long Island with her brother Dan who will be on the bag for the four-hole alternate shot event Tuesday evening. Carrying the bag is a reward for Dan after he flew in for the final two matches of Kyrinis' championship run last September.

"I have a nice little yardage for me," Kyrinis said of the Shinnecock Hills layout for the event. "So I am pretty happy about because it is pretty intimidating with some of those yardages out there."

Kyrinis will be playing alongside 2017 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Matt Parziale, with the duo beginning on the 12th hole. They will tee off at 4:47 p.m. and in addition to the 12th play Nos. 13, 10 and 11.

"It has been an absolute thrill," said Kyrinis. "I walked through the door [earlier] and I almost run into Rory McIlroy so that was pretty fun. The access we have, everything that the USGA has done has been first rate and I am just thrilled to be here."

USGA Celebration of Champions

4:45 p.m. (hole #10) – Alice Chen/Kenny Perry; Noah Goodwin/Sean Knapp

4:47 p.m. (hole #12) – Frankie Capan/Taylor Totland; Judith Kyrinis/Matt Parziale

4:45 p.m. (hole #13) – Kelsey Chugg/Doc Redman; Sophia Schubert/Ben Wong