May 27, 2010
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Incoming Irish women’s golfer Nicole Zhang (Calgary, Alberta/Bishop Carroll) became the first member of the Notre Dame women’s golf program to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open this week when she finished fourth in a sectional qualifying event at the Pinnacle Peak Country Club.
Zhang competed against a field of 55 players, including 23 professional golfers, for one of six U.S. Open places. Zhang shot an opening round 71 and followed with a second round 74 for a total of 145 to book her place in what is considered the oldest and most prestigious tournament in women’s golf. Zhang was the low amateur finisher at Pinnacle Peak. The lowest scores at the qualifier were turned in by Aiko Ueno and Shi Hyun Ahn, who shot 142s.
“Qualifying for the U.S. Women’s open has to be Nicole’s biggest golf thrill to date,” said Irish head coach Susan Holt. “And for our program it is just as exciting. Having a player in the U.S. Open really reflects where the Notre Dame women’s golf program is heading.”
Zhang will arrive at Notre Dame in the fall as the 10th-ranked recruit for the class of 2010 according to Golfweek. Having already achieved great success on the American Junior Golf Association circuit and the Futures Collegians World Tour, Zhang has played in more professional events as of late, including several Cactus tour events. Recently she finished third at a Cactus Tour event at Southern Dunes in Maricopa, Ariz.
“Nicole’s qualifying was no fluke,” continued Holt. “She has been playing the best golf of her life and is really finding consistency. The timing of her great play worked out wonderfully for U.S. Open qualifying, but it is fitting given how much hard work and effort she has put into improving her game. She has certainly earned the right to compete at the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open.”
The 2010 U.S. Women’s Open will be played on July 5 through the 11 at the Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. July 5, 6 and 7 will feature practice round play, while first round action gets underway on July 8.
Schedule of Play & Television Coverage
Thu., July 8 // First Round
Gates Open at 6:30 a.m.
ESPN2 First Round coverage 3:00-7:00 p.m. (EST)
Fri., July 9 // Second Round
Gates Open at 6:30 a.m.
ESPN2 Second Round coverage 3:00-7:00 p.m. (EST)
Field is cut at the conclusion of play to low 60 and ties, plus anyone within 10 strokes of the leader
Sat., July 10 // Third Round
Gates Open at 7:00 a.m.
NBC Third Round coverage 3:00-6:00 p.m. (EST)
Sun., July 11 // Final Round
Gates Open at 7:00 a.m.
NBC Final Round coverage 3:00-6:00 p.m.(EST)
Trophy Presentation on 18th green immediately following play
–ND–