EDINA, Minn. (June 29, 2008)--Reigning U.S. Women's Amateur champion Maria Jose Uribe showed her skills at the U.S. Women's Open while playing the first two days with the reigning Open champ Christie Kerr and the world's No. 1 player in world in Lorena Ochoa, beating the pair in Day 1 with a 4-under 69 and following that up with a 1-over 74 to make the cut at Interlachen Country Club.
Uribe, a native of Columbia who will begin her sophomore year at UCLA next year, finished the tournament as the low amateur at 2-under-par 290, the only amateur under par.
"I love to play with Lorena, it was a great experience for me," said Uribe after the first round. "And it’s just simple, simple golf. Nothing different than a Saturday round with your folks at home."
She finished tied for 10th, seven strokes behind winner Inbee Park.
Playing in her first event as a professional, Stacy Lewis, the two-time amateurgolf.com - Bridgestone Golf Women's Player of the Year, finished tied for third at 4-under. Lewis was most recently seen leading the U.S. Curtis Cup team to victory by becoming the first golfer in the tournament's history to finish 5-0.
She led the event by one stroke after 54 holes, but carded a 5-over round to finish. Nevertheless, it was still an impressive finish for the former University of Arkansas star.
"It’s been such a great week," said Lewis, who officially turned pro on June 9, the day of her Women’s Open sectional qualifier in Texas. "I really think the last couple of years prepared myself for this tournament and turning pro."
Jessica Korda finished carded a final-round 69 to finish at 2-over 294 and was the second lowest amateur in the field. The 15-year-old, who is the daughter of former tennis champion Petr Korda surprised herself with her performance.
"It hasn't really even hit me yet," said Korda of her accomplishment.
Curtis Cupper Alison Walshe was the next amateur in line, finishing at 5-over-297.
Rounding out the amateurs who made the cut are: Amanda Blumenherst (298), Paola Moreno (299), Syndee Michaels (304), and Tiffany Lua (308).
