US Women's Open: Irish amateur golfer Aine Donegan leads US Women's Open with three-under 69
Posted : 07 July 2023
Irish amateur golfer Aine Donegan had an eventful start to her first round at the US Women's Open. Despite her clubs arriving late and her driver being broken, she managed to shoot an impressive three-under 69 at Pebble Beach, just one shot off the lead.
Donegan, who represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Vagliano Trophy, received a new set of clubs from her manufacturers and added a makeshift driver to her bag when her original driver arrived in two pieces.
Donegan started the round with two bogeys but showed great resilience to recover and finish strong. She holed out with a wedge for an eagle and recorded five birdies in total.
Reflecting on her experience, Donegan described it as surreal and highlighted the memorable moments, including playing with Annika Sorenstam and young girls asking for her autograph.
Fellow Irish golfer Leona Maguire, who led the Women's PGA Championship after round three, also had a strong opening round, shooting a 69 to trail leaders Xiyu Lin of China and Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea.
Maguire expressed her excitement for the championship, which marks the first time a women's major is being held at Pebble Beach. She arrived in good form after winning her second LPGA Tour title and finishing 11th at the Women's PGA Championship.
Among the other players, Jodi Ewart Shadoff was the top English player with a one-under-par 71, followed by Charley Hull and Gemma Dryburgh. Several English and Scottish players finished with scores of 74, including Alice Hewson, Charlotte Thomas, Bronte Law, and Georgia Hall.
American rising star Rose Zhang, who won on her professional debut earlier this season, opened with a 74. However, world number one Jin Young Ko struggled with a seven-over 79.
There was also a disqualification incident involving Natthakritta Vongtaveelap of Thailand, as her caddie used a rangefinder, which is allowed at other LPGA Tour events but not at the US Women's Open.
ADD A COMMENT :
Hot Topics
User name is required Email Id is required Comment is required
ADD A COMMENT :