fbpx

MENU

Search
Close this search box.

SEARCH

Jean Chua and allie

 Member Login | Become a Member

Top Ten Perks of Being a US Open Alternate

by Allie White

The US Women’s Open is the biggest tournament in women’s golf and perhaps the biggest sporting event in women’s sports. This year, the gates of Lancaster Country Club admitted roughly 25,000 people a day to watch. It’s a big deal!

I’m a pro golfer and every year around May I try to qualify for the Open through one of the USGA’s qualifying sites. Any woman with a handicap under 2.4 can give it a whirl. I play on the Symetra Tour (women’s golf’s  version of Triple A baseball). Most of us Symetra Tour players usually try for the Open.

I made the 2009 Open at Saucon Valley in Pennsylvania. It was awesome. This year the Open was again in Pennsylvania… Lancaster Country Club. I grew up playing golf at Lancaster Country Club in Ohio and I also take lessons from Sally Austin who lives on Lancaster Drive. Coincidence? I think not! Obviously, I thought it would be a triangle of destiny that I return to Pennsylvania to win the Open this year. Right?

The USGA has 25 qualifying sites and I picked Boston, not Korea, England, or China but Boston, because it has the northern grass I grew up playing. After 36 holes in 47 degrees and rain I found myself in the clubhouse with a spot in the Open field and one group still to finish. Of course young Megan Khang came in one stroke better than me and just like that I was on a plane ride home with nothing more than a first alternate spot. Still there was a slim outside chance that enough people would withdraw and I would get a spot.

By Wednesday before the Open I still hadn’t gotten that phone call to come play. So what the heck,  I decided to drive over to PA and wait on the putting green in case somebody had to withdraw suddenly. There were four of us waiting.

After a seven-hour drive on the Turnpike, an overnight in a less-than-four-star Days Inn and waking up at 4 a.m. in a drizzle, I didn’t play in the Open. Thanks triangle of destiny.  However, on the bright side, being a US Open alternate had some sweet perks. Here is an inside look at why it’s the best way to watch an Open ever!

Expert Guide to Playing Hybrids
Using The Bounce on Your Wedge for Better Bunker Shots
My Best Short Putting Tip
Good Practice Games - Take a Buddy to the Range

Why 83,567* Women Golfers Get their Lessons Right Here

*as at January 1, 2024

Claire Mc
Claire Mc
Women's Golf Member
Read More
FABULOUS GROUP - fabulous women & lessons - worth every penny!!
Pauline C.
Pauline C.
Women's Golf Member
Read More
I have joined this group after watching the site for about 6 years. Such a great lesson advantage and uplifting site to be a member of.
Eunice S.
Eunice S.
Women's Golf Member
Read More
Just watched another video tip and wanted to let you know how much I’ve learned and improved my game.
Valerie R.
Valerie R.
Women's Golf Member
Read More
I don’t know what I would do without your site - it has been so beneficial to improving my game!
Cathy R.
Cathy R.
Women's Golf Member
Read More
I am really enjoying your website and the facebook social group.
Susan D.
Susan D.
Women's Golf Member
Read More
I love WomensGolf.com, it’s full of fabulous lessons. Probably the site I visit the most😁
Jan P.G.
Jan P.G.
Women's Golf Member
Read More
A year later...and I still love all I’m learning from this group!
Suzie F.
Suzie F.
Women's Golf Member
Read More
This is absolutely brilliant! I’ve been wanting some ideas for golf exercises - and these are perfect! Thank you 😊

Welcome to the latest issue of the Women’s Golf Newsletter. I send it out every Sunday to 97,742 (as of 1 March) passionate women golfers with 6 of the week’s new lessons and highlights from the Women’s Golf Group.

Read this Issue »

Women golfers from all over the world celebrate their love of the game and share their photos, videos, favorite tips and golf experiences in the two Women’s Golf Members Groups (one for social chat and one for golf lessons and instruction questions). Here are some example posts from the groups:

TOP

After your first login your browser should autofill your password. If it doesn’t, here is some information on how to change your settings.  Contact Jane if you need assistance.

After your first login your browser should autofill your password. If it doesn’t, here is some information on how to change your settings.  Contact Jane if you need assistance.