There had been speculation since the spring that Jennifer Johnson's freshman season at Arizona State might be the only year she spent in Tempe, that pro golf was calling and the 18-year-old from LaQuinta, Calif., couldn't resist the sound. Every time I inquired with her about the subject, however, Johnson insisted the rumors weren't true.
I was able to confirm this morning, though, what was first reported by MyDesert.com yesterday, that Johnson indeed will turn pro after competing as an amateur in one last event: next week's U.S. Women's Open (she earned an exemption into the field by finishing runner-up at last year's U.S. Women's Amateur, but the exemption requires she be an amateur for it to be used).
Johnson told ASU women's coach Melissa Luellen of her decision Monday and has been in contact with her teammates about it over the course of the past few days.
"It was a hard call for her to make, and it was a hard call for me to take," Luellen told Golf World. "We loved Jennifer and had so much fun with her her freshman year. We obviously wish her a ton of luck and hope she'll be a great Sun Devil alumni on tour.
"I thought we'd have her for another year," Luellen noted when asked about the timing of the decision. "But big life desicions are hard to make. I think she thought long and hard. She's a great student and as all college athletes know, academics is a big piece of [college life]. She did great academically. She just wanted to spend 100 percent of her time working on her game."
This decision comes despite the fact that twice in the last month Johnson insisted that she was going to return to ASU in the fall. When the rumors of a possible departure surfaced at the NCAA Championship in May—where she finished second to help her secure national freshman-of-the-year honors—she said she had thought about it but would play another season for the Sun Devils. Then at the Curtis Cup earlier this month, after Golf Channel reported during its telecast that Johnson was going to turn pro, she denied that was the case.
Johnson's first event as a professional is likely to be the Duramed Futures Tour's Alliance Bank Golf Classic in Syracuse, N.Y., July 30-Aug. 1
Results for June 2010
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Amateurs set to play at Oakmont
Blogger note: Rebecca Lee-Bentham was first alternate and got into the field early this week increasing the number of amateurs to 29
The field is just about set for next week's U.S. Women's Open at Oakmont. Currently there are 28 amateurs competing compared to 29 last year (Kimberly Kim and Belen Mozo were amateurs when they qualified but are playing as pros in the championship, according to the USGA). Of the amateurs in the field, 20 of them are current college players, have just finshed their final year in school or are arriving on campus in the fall.
Brittany Altomare, Virginia*
Sandra Changkija, Nova Southeastern
Kaitlin Drolson, Pepperdine*
Courtney Ellenbogen, Duke*
Janine Fellows, Tulane
Cindy-Yueer Feng, HS Class of 2014*
Jaye Marie Green, HS Class of 2012
Numa Gulyanamitta, Purdue
Jennifer Johnson, Arizona State
Sara-Maude Juneau, Louisville
Ariya Jutanugarn, HS Class of 2014
Danielle Kang, Pepperdine*
Jennifer Kirby, Alabama
Stephanie Kono, UCLA*
Jessica Korda, HS Class of 2011*
Laura Kueny, Michigan State
Alison Lee, HS Class of 2013*
Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Texas
Tiffany Lim, HS Class of 2011
Lisa McCloskey, USC
Juliana Murcia, Arizona State
Sun Gyoung Park, Yale
Lizette Salas, USC
Kelli Shean, Arkansas
Victoria Tanco, HS Class of 2012*
Gabriella Then, HS Class of 2013
Sally Watson, Stanford
Christine Wong, San Diego State
Nicole Zhang, Notre Dame
* Has played in a previous U.S. Women's Open
The field is just about set for next week's U.S. Women's Open at Oakmont. Currently there are 28 amateurs competing compared to 29 last year (Kimberly Kim and Belen Mozo were amateurs when they qualified but are playing as pros in the championship, according to the USGA). Of the amateurs in the field, 20 of them are current college players, have just finshed their final year in school or are arriving on campus in the fall.
Brittany Altomare, Virginia*
Sandra Changkija, Nova Southeastern
Kaitlin Drolson, Pepperdine*
Courtney Ellenbogen, Duke*
Janine Fellows, Tulane
Cindy-Yueer Feng, HS Class of 2014*
Jaye Marie Green, HS Class of 2012
Numa Gulyanamitta, Purdue
Jennifer Johnson, Arizona State
Sara-Maude Juneau, Louisville
Ariya Jutanugarn, HS Class of 2014
Danielle Kang, Pepperdine*
Jennifer Kirby, Alabama
Stephanie Kono, UCLA*
Jessica Korda, HS Class of 2011*
Laura Kueny, Michigan State
Alison Lee, HS Class of 2013*
Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Texas
Tiffany Lim, HS Class of 2011
Lisa McCloskey, USC
Juliana Murcia, Arizona State
Sun Gyoung Park, Yale
Lizette Salas, USC
Kelli Shean, Arkansas
Victoria Tanco, HS Class of 2012*
Gabriella Then, HS Class of 2013
Sally Watson, Stanford
Christine Wong, San Diego State
Nicole Zhang, Notre Dame
* Has played in a previous U.S. Women's Open
The end of early verbals?
The lamenting among college golf coaches about the accelerated recruiting process involved with junior golfers—players committing to schools well before their senior years, causing coaches to offer scholarships earlier and earlier, causing players to commit earlier, and so on and so on—might be addressed in the coming years, thanks to similar issues being faced by coaches in several other college sports.
According to a story in the NCAA News, the Division I Recruiting and Athletics Personnel Issues Cabinet, which was formed to analyze college recruiting on a macro level rather than merely a sport-by-sport basis, has proposed legislation to stop early verbal scholarship offers to prospective student-athletes in all sports.
The proposal would prohibit verbal offers of athletically related financial aid before July 1 after a prospective student-athlete's junior year in high school. The proposal would also require schools have at least a five semester (or seven quarter) high school transcript on file before a coach could extend any verbal offer.
In turn, the cabinet is also proposing that begining Aug. 1 of a prospective student-athlete's senior year, schools would be permitted to make two phone calls to the player or his parent/guardian
Among the concerns of Petrina Long, the cabinet's chair, was compliance officials ability to monitor the proposal's enforcement.
The proposal is expected to be introduced into the 2010-11 legislative cycle with the Legislative Council casting its first official votes on the proposal at the NCAA Convention in San Antonio next January.
According to a story in the NCAA News, the Division I Recruiting and Athletics Personnel Issues Cabinet, which was formed to analyze college recruiting on a macro level rather than merely a sport-by-sport basis, has proposed legislation to stop early verbal scholarship offers to prospective student-athletes in all sports.
The proposal would prohibit verbal offers of athletically related financial aid before July 1 after a prospective student-athlete's junior year in high school. The proposal would also require schools have at least a five semester (or seven quarter) high school transcript on file before a coach could extend any verbal offer.
In turn, the cabinet is also proposing that begining Aug. 1 of a prospective student-athlete's senior year, schools would be permitted to make two phone calls to the player or his parent/guardian
Among the concerns of Petrina Long, the cabinet's chair, was compliance officials ability to monitor the proposal's enforcement.
The proposal is expected to be introduced into the 2010-11 legislative cycle with the Legislative Council casting its first official votes on the proposal at the NCAA Convention in San Antonio next January.
Hosts with the most for the NCAA title
The NCAA men's and women's Division I golf committees announced a few site selections today for future national championship.
On the women's side, the University of Georgia GC in Athens, Ga., will play host to the 2013 NCAA Championship. It's the fourth time the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed course will hold a college women's national championship, having been the site for the 1981 AIAW championship and the 1983 and 1993 NCAAs.
"Hosting a National Championship is something I have always wanted to do as a coach," Georgia women's coach Kelley Hester said. "I think we did a great job with the NCAA Regional in 2008, and the University of Georgia Athletic Association is always willing to show off our facilities at a national level. I was fortunate enough to compete in the 1993 Championships here at UGA, and I want my players to have the opportunity to play for a National Championship at home like did. It was one of my collegiate highlights."
The event is scheduled to be held May 21-24.
As for the men's side, the 2012 and 2013 championships will be held at Riviera CC in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and Atlanta Athletic Club in Duluth, Ga. The sites follow up Inverness Club's stint hosting the 2009 NCAAs and the Honors Course earlier this month as off-campus facilities that have held major championships or USGA events offering to have the top college players compete on their layouts. (AAC will hold the 2011 PGA Championship.)
"Over the last several years, the sites have improved, and they're going to places that have hosted majors and have a lot of history," said Georgia Tech men's coach Bruce Heppler. "That's a big deal for the players. Now we have an opportunity to do that. It's a great club that has hosted a U.S. Open and a PGA Championship, and is set to host another PGA next year. It has a lot of history, and it's a place where the best players in the world play."
USC will be the host institution at Riviera and Georgia Tech at AAC.
Future NCAA D-I golf sites:
WOMEN
2011—Traditions Club, Bryan, Texas (Host school: Texas A&M)
2012—Vanderbilt Legends Club, Franklin, Tenn. (Host school: Vanderbilt)
2013—University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. (Host school: Georgia)
MEN
2011—Karsten Creek GC, Stillwater, Okla. (Host school: Oklahoma State)
2012—Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Calif. (Host school: USC)
2013—Atlanta Athletic Club, Duluth, Ga. (Host school: Georgia Tech)
On the women's side, the University of Georgia GC in Athens, Ga., will play host to the 2013 NCAA Championship. It's the fourth time the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed course will hold a college women's national championship, having been the site for the 1981 AIAW championship and the 1983 and 1993 NCAAs.
"Hosting a National Championship is something I have always wanted to do as a coach," Georgia women's coach Kelley Hester said. "I think we did a great job with the NCAA Regional in 2008, and the University of Georgia Athletic Association is always willing to show off our facilities at a national level. I was fortunate enough to compete in the 1993 Championships here at UGA, and I want my players to have the opportunity to play for a National Championship at home like did. It was one of my collegiate highlights."
The event is scheduled to be held May 21-24.
As for the men's side, the 2012 and 2013 championships will be held at Riviera CC in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and Atlanta Athletic Club in Duluth, Ga. The sites follow up Inverness Club's stint hosting the 2009 NCAAs and the Honors Course earlier this month as off-campus facilities that have held major championships or USGA events offering to have the top college players compete on their layouts. (AAC will hold the 2011 PGA Championship.)
"Over the last several years, the sites have improved, and they're going to places that have hosted majors and have a lot of history," said Georgia Tech men's coach Bruce Heppler. "That's a big deal for the players. Now we have an opportunity to do that. It's a great club that has hosted a U.S. Open and a PGA Championship, and is set to host another PGA next year. It has a lot of history, and it's a place where the best players in the world play."
USC will be the host institution at Riviera and Georgia Tech at AAC.
Future NCAA D-I golf sites:
WOMEN
2011—Traditions Club, Bryan, Texas (Host school: Texas A&M)
2012—Vanderbilt Legends Club, Franklin, Tenn. (Host school: Vanderbilt)
2013—University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. (Host school: Georgia)
MEN
2011—Karsten Creek GC, Stillwater, Okla. (Host school: Oklahoma State)
2012—Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Calif. (Host school: USC)
2013—Atlanta Athletic Club, Duluth, Ga. (Host school: Georgia Tech)
McCloskey headed to USC; Wallace to Colorado
While losing All-Americans Belen Mozo to graduation and Jennifer Song to the professional ranks, the NCAA runner-up USC women's team will be adding a fairly significant replacement in the form of Lisa McCloskey next fall. The 19-year-old who just finished her sophomore year at Pepperdine, is set to transfer and will play for the Trojans starting in the 2010-11 season.
McCloskey had an eventful two seasons with the Waves. As a freshman, she set the NCAA 54-hole scoring mark with a 17-under 199 at the Las Vegas Collegiate Shootout. Later that season, she had emergency appendectomy.
Pepperdine will also be losing Jessica Wallace. The rising junior from Langley, British Columbia, is transferring to Colorado and play for the Buffaloes this fall.
McCloskey had an eventful two seasons with the Waves. As a freshman, she set the NCAA 54-hole scoring mark with a 17-under 199 at the Las Vegas Collegiate Shootout. Later that season, she had emergency appendectomy.
Pepperdine will also be losing Jessica Wallace. The rising junior from Langley, British Columbia, is transferring to Colorado and play for the Buffaloes this fall.
GCAA announces All-Nicklaus team
The GCAA released this morning the list of 24 honorees to the 2010 All-Nicklaus Team. The group includes players from all divisions, recognizing their outstanding play during the 2009-10 college season.
Abraham Ancer, Odessa College
Lucas Bogden, Northwood (Texas)
John Chin, UC Irvine
Harris English, Georgia
Nils Floren, Texas Tech
Dustin Garza, Wichita State
Russell Henley, Georgia
Scott Langley, Illinois
Peter Latimer, Guilford
Tain Lee, Claremont McKenna
Justin Lower, Malone
Brett Munson, North Alabama
Jonathan Randolph, Mississippi
Andrea Pavan, Texas A&M
Marcelo Rozo, John A. Logan
Juan Salcedo, McLennan JC
Josh Schrader, Methodist
Matt Stauch, Florida Southern
Nick Taylor, Washington
Peter Uihlein, Oklahoma State
Julian Valenciana, Oklahoma City
Diego Velasquez, Oregon State
Eugene Wong, Oregon
Justin Yoder, Central Missouri
Abraham Ancer, Odessa College
Lucas Bogden, Northwood (Texas)
John Chin, UC Irvine
Harris English, Georgia
Nils Floren, Texas Tech
Dustin Garza, Wichita State
Russell Henley, Georgia
Scott Langley, Illinois
Peter Latimer, Guilford
Tain Lee, Claremont McKenna
Justin Lower, Malone
Brett Munson, North Alabama
Jonathan Randolph, Mississippi
Andrea Pavan, Texas A&M
Marcelo Rozo, John A. Logan
Juan Salcedo, McLennan JC
Josh Schrader, Methodist
Matt Stauch, Florida Southern
Nick Taylor, Washington
Peter Uihlein, Oklahoma State
Julian Valenciana, Oklahoma City
Diego Velasquez, Oregon State
Eugene Wong, Oregon
Justin Yoder, Central Missouri
How might the amateurs fare at the U.S. Open
PEBBLE BEACH -- As rare as it has been lately for an amateur to make the cut at the Masters (in April, Matteo Manassero was the first one to do it in five years), playing on the weekend at the U.S. Open has become pretty much an annual occurrence for the play-for-pride set.
Since 1997, at least one amateur has made the cut in every U.S. Open with the exception of 2006 and 2007. At Bethpage Black a year ago, three amateurs out of the 15 that competed played all 72 holes with Nick Taylor earning low amateur honors with a T-36 finish.
This time around 10 amateur are in the field at Pebble Beach (Alex Martin qualified as an amateur but decided make the U.S. Open his pro debut). So who has the best chance of joining the eventual champion at Sunday's awards ceremony? Here's a look at the contenders and their odds of making the championship more than a two-day affair.
Bennett Blakeman, 23, Burr Ridge, Ill.
How he qualified: Medalist at Woodstock, Ill., sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 75-1
Skinny: A graduate of Division III Illinois Wesleyan in 2009, Blakeman attends graduate school at Loyola (Ill.) and is currently an intern at Cardiac Surgery Associates outside of Chicago. He almost gave himself a heart attack when he managed to get through sectional qualifying, this after struggling to get invitations into amateur events this summer. He says the biggest tournament he's played in before this is the Illinois Amateur and the NCAA D-III championship, so nerves are likely to be a factor.
Kevin Phelan, 19, St. Augustine, Fla.
How he qualified: Co-medalist at Hobe Sound, Fla., sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 50-1
Skinny: The Irish-born golfer, who just finished his freshman year at North Florida, moved to the U.S. seven years ago. Not surprisingly, then, he revealed his favorite golfer is Padraig Harrington. To get to play in the same field with his countryman, Phelan holed a flop shot for an eagle on his last hole at the sectional qualifier. Consider Phelan among the "just happy to be here" crowd.
Andrew Putnam, 21, University Place, Wash.
How he qualified: 4th at Sacramento, Calif., sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 30-1
Skinny: The Pepperdine senior-to-be is following in the footsteps of his older brother, Michael, who qualified for the U.S. Open as an amateur in 2005. It's the first time two brothers have played in the championship as amateurs since Trip (2003) and Hank Kuehne (1999). A year ago, Putnam was in the worst slump of his golf career after twice earning All-American honors. By qualifying for Pebble Beach, he earns an exemption into this August's U.S. Amateur, being held less than a mile from his house at Chambers Bay.
Morgan Hoffmann, 21, Wyckoff, N.J.
How he qualified: T-6 at Memphis sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 20-1
Skinny: The Oklahoma State All-American and member of the 2009 U.S. Walker Cup team earned his spot in the field at Pebble Beach less than 24 hours after losing his match with Augusta State's Henrik Norlander, 5 and 4, in the final round of the NCAA Championship. His ability to put behind the disappointment of losing the NCAA title was impressive. So is his golf game when he's playing well ... the question is whether that's the case this week.
Joseph Bramlett, 22, Saratoga, Calif.
How he qualified: 2nd at Sacramento, Calif., sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 15-1
Skinny: Bramlett is no stranger to the area or to USGA events (in 2002 he became the youngest qualifier for the U.S. Amateur). He just got his degree from Stanford on Sunday, making playing in the Open arguably the coolest graduation gift you could ever get. Bramlett is finally healthy again after two years dealing with injuries to his right wrist. His play has been inconsistent of late, however, otherwise we'd give him better odds at making the cut.
Byeong-Hun An, 18, Bradenton, Fla.
How he qualified: U.S. Amateur champion
Odds of making the cut: 10-1
Skinny: The soon-to-be freshman at California has another marquee group to play in, teeing it up with U.S. Open winner Lucas Glover and British Open champion Stewart Cink. An handled his pairing at the Masters (playing with 2009 champ Angel Cabrera) rather well, despite the missed cut, and looks more comfortable playing beside the pros for a second time.
Ben Martin, 22, Greenwood, S.C.
How he qualified: U.S. Amateur runner-up
Odds of making the cut: 10-1
Skinny: No amateur has more experience in major championships than Martin, who played in last year's Open at Bethpage and in the Masters last April. He just closed out his college career at Clemson earlier this month, finishing T-9 at the NCAA Championship. His game is in the best shape it has been since last summer's experience at the U.S. Amateur, giving you reason to believe the third time will be the charm in terms of making the cut.
Hudson Swafford, 22, Tallahasee, Fla.
How he qualified: Co-medalist at Memphis sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 10-1
Skinny: After having labrum surgery last summer, the would be University of Georgia senior decided to redshirt during the 2009-10 season so as to give himself time to heal and rehab. Yet by early this spring, Swafford was practicing full shots and says his game is back to 100 percent. Apparently so as Swafford shot a 132 at the Memphis qualifier, beating nearly 100 pros, including several in the field at last week's PGA Tour stop in Memphis.
Russell Henley, 21, Macon, Ga.
How he qualified: Medalist at Roswell, Ga., sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 7-1
Skinny: The Georgia junior was the SEC player of the year in 2010, winning the conference individual championship and then earning medalist honors at the NCAA regional in Texas. He and his Bulldog teammate Hudson Swafford had a friendly game going with Clemson grads Lucas Glover and Charles Warren during a practice round, not a bad way to get comfortable at Pebble Beach when you're playing with the defending champion.
Scott Langley, 21, Manchester, Mo.
How he qualified: Medalist at St. Louis sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 7-1
Skinny: There isn't an amateur golfer in the field that is on more of a roll of late than Langley. His victory at the NCAA Championship earlier this month preceded his qualifying for the Open. The lefty isn't likely to be intimidated by the surroundings even though this is his first major championship.
-- Ryan Herrington
Since 1997, at least one amateur has made the cut in every U.S. Open with the exception of 2006 and 2007. At Bethpage Black a year ago, three amateurs out of the 15 that competed played all 72 holes with Nick Taylor earning low amateur honors with a T-36 finish.
This time around 10 amateur are in the field at Pebble Beach (Alex Martin qualified as an amateur but decided make the U.S. Open his pro debut). So who has the best chance of joining the eventual champion at Sunday's awards ceremony? Here's a look at the contenders and their odds of making the championship more than a two-day affair.
Bennett Blakeman, 23, Burr Ridge, Ill.
How he qualified: Medalist at Woodstock, Ill., sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 75-1
Skinny: A graduate of Division III Illinois Wesleyan in 2009, Blakeman attends graduate school at Loyola (Ill.) and is currently an intern at Cardiac Surgery Associates outside of Chicago. He almost gave himself a heart attack when he managed to get through sectional qualifying, this after struggling to get invitations into amateur events this summer. He says the biggest tournament he's played in before this is the Illinois Amateur and the NCAA D-III championship, so nerves are likely to be a factor.
Kevin Phelan, 19, St. Augustine, Fla.
How he qualified: Co-medalist at Hobe Sound, Fla., sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 50-1
Skinny: The Irish-born golfer, who just finished his freshman year at North Florida, moved to the U.S. seven years ago. Not surprisingly, then, he revealed his favorite golfer is Padraig Harrington. To get to play in the same field with his countryman, Phelan holed a flop shot for an eagle on his last hole at the sectional qualifier. Consider Phelan among the "just happy to be here" crowd.
Andrew Putnam, 21, University Place, Wash.
How he qualified: 4th at Sacramento, Calif., sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 30-1
Skinny: The Pepperdine senior-to-be is following in the footsteps of his older brother, Michael, who qualified for the U.S. Open as an amateur in 2005. It's the first time two brothers have played in the championship as amateurs since Trip (2003) and Hank Kuehne (1999). A year ago, Putnam was in the worst slump of his golf career after twice earning All-American honors. By qualifying for Pebble Beach, he earns an exemption into this August's U.S. Amateur, being held less than a mile from his house at Chambers Bay.
Morgan Hoffmann, 21, Wyckoff, N.J.
How he qualified: T-6 at Memphis sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 20-1
Skinny: The Oklahoma State All-American and member of the 2009 U.S. Walker Cup team earned his spot in the field at Pebble Beach less than 24 hours after losing his match with Augusta State's Henrik Norlander, 5 and 4, in the final round of the NCAA Championship. His ability to put behind the disappointment of losing the NCAA title was impressive. So is his golf game when he's playing well ... the question is whether that's the case this week.
Joseph Bramlett, 22, Saratoga, Calif.
How he qualified: 2nd at Sacramento, Calif., sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 15-1
Skinny: Bramlett is no stranger to the area or to USGA events (in 2002 he became the youngest qualifier for the U.S. Amateur). He just got his degree from Stanford on Sunday, making playing in the Open arguably the coolest graduation gift you could ever get. Bramlett is finally healthy again after two years dealing with injuries to his right wrist. His play has been inconsistent of late, however, otherwise we'd give him better odds at making the cut.
Byeong-Hun An, 18, Bradenton, Fla.
How he qualified: U.S. Amateur champion
Odds of making the cut: 10-1
Skinny: The soon-to-be freshman at California has another marquee group to play in, teeing it up with U.S. Open winner Lucas Glover and British Open champion Stewart Cink. An handled his pairing at the Masters (playing with 2009 champ Angel Cabrera) rather well, despite the missed cut, and looks more comfortable playing beside the pros for a second time.
Ben Martin, 22, Greenwood, S.C.
How he qualified: U.S. Amateur runner-up
Odds of making the cut: 10-1
Skinny: No amateur has more experience in major championships than Martin, who played in last year's Open at Bethpage and in the Masters last April. He just closed out his college career at Clemson earlier this month, finishing T-9 at the NCAA Championship. His game is in the best shape it has been since last summer's experience at the U.S. Amateur, giving you reason to believe the third time will be the charm in terms of making the cut.
Hudson Swafford, 22, Tallahasee, Fla.
How he qualified: Co-medalist at Memphis sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 10-1
Skinny: After having labrum surgery last summer, the would be University of Georgia senior decided to redshirt during the 2009-10 season so as to give himself time to heal and rehab. Yet by early this spring, Swafford was practicing full shots and says his game is back to 100 percent. Apparently so as Swafford shot a 132 at the Memphis qualifier, beating nearly 100 pros, including several in the field at last week's PGA Tour stop in Memphis.
Russell Henley, 21, Macon, Ga.
How he qualified: Medalist at Roswell, Ga., sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 7-1
Skinny: The Georgia junior was the SEC player of the year in 2010, winning the conference individual championship and then earning medalist honors at the NCAA regional in Texas. He and his Bulldog teammate Hudson Swafford had a friendly game going with Clemson grads Lucas Glover and Charles Warren during a practice round, not a bad way to get comfortable at Pebble Beach when you're playing with the defending champion.
Scott Langley, 21, Manchester, Mo.
How he qualified: Medalist at St. Louis sectional qualifier
Odds of making the cut: 7-1
Skinny: There isn't an amateur golfer in the field that is on more of a roll of late than Langley. His victory at the NCAA Championship earlier this month preceded his qualifying for the Open. The lefty isn't likely to be intimidated by the surroundings even though this is his first major championship.
-- Ryan Herrington
USA cruises to Curtis Cup victory
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, MASS.—The United States took its victory lap Sunday at Essex County Club, easily securing the two points needed entering the day to win the 36th Curtis Cup during singles play.
While American Jennifer Song fell to Danielle McVeigh, 3 and 2, in the lead-off spot, Alexis Thompson had little trouble defeating Sally Watson, 6 and 5, in the second match. That allowed Jennifer Johnson, third in the singles lineup, to be the American to clinch the cup. A up-and-down par on the 14th hole allowed her to defeat Rachel Jennings, 5 and 4.
"It's cool," said Johnson of being the deciding match. "In all the team events I've played in before, I had never done that. My match has always ended after we had already won it."
With the overall victory well in hand, the remaining matches played to their conclusion under cool, drizzly conditions. Americans Cydney Clanton and Jessica Korda won their contests for a 4-4 split of singles and a 12.5-7.5 overall victory for team USA.
"I'm proud of this group," said U.S. captain Noreen Mohler. "I didn't have to say much to them [this morning]. They just went out and played the kind of golf they were capable of."
The GB&I side had to get off to a quick start if it was to have any hope for miraculous Sunday rally, needing to win seven of the eight matches to come back and claim the cup for the first time since 1996. Ultimately, the task proved too difficult.
"The girls played their heart out," said GB&I captain Mary McKenna. "The standard of the Americans is just a little bit better."
The American victory was the seventh straight time the U.S. team had won the Curtis Cup and upped their overall record in the match to 27-6-3.
Thompson had a 3-0-1 record at Essex as she entered Sunday's play, the last round as an amateur for the 15-year-old before she turns pro next week and competes in the LPGA ShopRite Classic. She acknowledged that this being her last amateur hurrah did cross her mind.
"I actually did think about it [this morning]," Thompson said, "and I wanted to make this a great day."
That she did as Thompson took control of her match with Watson with wins on the fourth, fifth and sixth holes. A par on the eighth gave her a 4-up lead, as she continued to apply pressure on Watson. The two halved the ninth hole with birdies before Thompson won the 10th with a par.
While Watson halved the 11th with an impressive up and down for par, she watched helplessly with her ball in the right greenside rough as Thompson hit her second shot to five feet on the par-4 12th. Unable to get up and down for par, she conceded the birdie to allow Thompson to get the match to dormie. Thompson then closed things out with a par on the 13th.
"It was a great experience for me here," Thompson said. "I had so much fun. I was just happy I won. This is the way I wanted to end my amateur career. To end it with the Curtis Cup was just an honor."
Sunday
Singles results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Danielle McVeigh, GB&I, defeats Jennifer Song, 3 and 2
Alexis Thompson, USA, defeats Sally Watson, 6 and 5
Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Rachel Jennings, 5 and 4
Lisa Maguire, GB&I, defeats Kimberley Kim, 1 up
Cydney Clanton, USA, defeats Hannah Barwood, 4 and 3
Leona Maguire, GB&I, defeats Tiffany Lua, 2 and 1
Jessica Korda, USA, defeats Pamela Pretswell, 4 and 3
Holly Clyburn, GB&I defeats Stephanie Kono, 2 and 1
USA 12.5, GB&I 7.5
Saturday PM
Foursomes results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA defeats Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire, 3 and 1
Jennifer Song/Stephanie Kono, USA defeats Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn, 3 and 1
Tiffany Lua/Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, 3 and 2
USA 8.5, GB&I 3.5
Saturday AM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, defeats Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, 2 and 1
Jennifer Song/Cydney Clanton, USA, defeats Leona Maguire/Lisa Maguire, 3 and 2
Stephanie Kono/Kimberly Kim, USA, defeats Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, 2 up
USA 5.5, GB&I 3.5
Friday PM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. USA
Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, GB&I, defeats Jennifer Song/Kimberly Kim, 4 and 3
Alexis Thompson/Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Rachel Jennings/Leona Maguire, 3 and 2
Sally Watson/Lisa Maguire, GB&I, defeats Jessica Korda/Tiffany Lua, 1 up
GB&I 3.5, USA 2.5
Friday AM
Foursomes results
Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, GB&I vs. Jennifer Song/Jennifer Johnson, USA, All square
Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn, GB&I vs. Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, All square
Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire, GB&I vs. Cydney Clanton/Stephanie Kono, USA, All square
GB&I 1.5, USA 1.5
While American Jennifer Song fell to Danielle McVeigh, 3 and 2, in the lead-off spot, Alexis Thompson had little trouble defeating Sally Watson, 6 and 5, in the second match. That allowed Jennifer Johnson, third in the singles lineup, to be the American to clinch the cup. A up-and-down par on the 14th hole allowed her to defeat Rachel Jennings, 5 and 4.
"It's cool," said Johnson of being the deciding match. "In all the team events I've played in before, I had never done that. My match has always ended after we had already won it."
With the overall victory well in hand, the remaining matches played to their conclusion under cool, drizzly conditions. Americans Cydney Clanton and Jessica Korda won their contests for a 4-4 split of singles and a 12.5-7.5 overall victory for team USA.
"I'm proud of this group," said U.S. captain Noreen Mohler. "I didn't have to say much to them [this morning]. They just went out and played the kind of golf they were capable of."
The GB&I side had to get off to a quick start if it was to have any hope for miraculous Sunday rally, needing to win seven of the eight matches to come back and claim the cup for the first time since 1996. Ultimately, the task proved too difficult.
"The girls played their heart out," said GB&I captain Mary McKenna. "The standard of the Americans is just a little bit better."
The American victory was the seventh straight time the U.S. team had won the Curtis Cup and upped their overall record in the match to 27-6-3.
Thompson had a 3-0-1 record at Essex as she entered Sunday's play, the last round as an amateur for the 15-year-old before she turns pro next week and competes in the LPGA ShopRite Classic. She acknowledged that this being her last amateur hurrah did cross her mind.
"I actually did think about it [this morning]," Thompson said, "and I wanted to make this a great day."
That she did as Thompson took control of her match with Watson with wins on the fourth, fifth and sixth holes. A par on the eighth gave her a 4-up lead, as she continued to apply pressure on Watson. The two halved the ninth hole with birdies before Thompson won the 10th with a par.
While Watson halved the 11th with an impressive up and down for par, she watched helplessly with her ball in the right greenside rough as Thompson hit her second shot to five feet on the par-4 12th. Unable to get up and down for par, she conceded the birdie to allow Thompson to get the match to dormie. Thompson then closed things out with a par on the 13th.
"It was a great experience for me here," Thompson said. "I had so much fun. I was just happy I won. This is the way I wanted to end my amateur career. To end it with the Curtis Cup was just an honor."
Sunday
Singles results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Danielle McVeigh, GB&I, defeats Jennifer Song, 3 and 2
Alexis Thompson, USA, defeats Sally Watson, 6 and 5
Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Rachel Jennings, 5 and 4
Lisa Maguire, GB&I, defeats Kimberley Kim, 1 up
Cydney Clanton, USA, defeats Hannah Barwood, 4 and 3
Leona Maguire, GB&I, defeats Tiffany Lua, 2 and 1
Jessica Korda, USA, defeats Pamela Pretswell, 4 and 3
Holly Clyburn, GB&I defeats Stephanie Kono, 2 and 1
USA 12.5, GB&I 7.5
Saturday PM
Foursomes results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA defeats Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire, 3 and 1
Jennifer Song/Stephanie Kono, USA defeats Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn, 3 and 1
Tiffany Lua/Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, 3 and 2
USA 8.5, GB&I 3.5
Saturday AM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, defeats Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, 2 and 1
Jennifer Song/Cydney Clanton, USA, defeats Leona Maguire/Lisa Maguire, 3 and 2
Stephanie Kono/Kimberly Kim, USA, defeats Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, 2 up
USA 5.5, GB&I 3.5
Friday PM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. USA
Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, GB&I, defeats Jennifer Song/Kimberly Kim, 4 and 3
Alexis Thompson/Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Rachel Jennings/Leona Maguire, 3 and 2
Sally Watson/Lisa Maguire, GB&I, defeats Jessica Korda/Tiffany Lua, 1 up
GB&I 3.5, USA 2.5
Friday AM
Foursomes results
Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, GB&I vs. Jennifer Song/Jennifer Johnson, USA, All square
Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn, GB&I vs. Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, All square
Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire, GB&I vs. Cydney Clanton/Stephanie Kono, USA, All square
GB&I 1.5, USA 1.5
U.S. makes it Saturday sweep at Curtis Cup
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, MASS.—What a difference 24 hours makes.
Just when it appeared that Great Britain & Ireland was ready for the upset of the United States at the 36th Curtis Cup, captain Noreen Mohler's American side put on one of the most dominant performances in the event's 78-year history.
Having swept the three morning fourball matches, the U.S. claimed victory in all three afternoon foursomes matches, giving them a commanding 8.5-3.5 lead entering Sunday's singles play.
While this is just the second time the event has been contested over three days, never has any side ever swept an entire day's matches.
"A lot of people asked me what did I say to them last night to make them play so well this morning," Mohler noted after Saturday's play. "I said: 'Absolutely nothing.' We went home last night and we were so tired and hungry that we had dinner and went to bed and that was it. These girls know what it takes to play the golf that they do. And they motivate themselves. They don't really need me to do that for them.
"I just make sure they're fed."
How bad did it get for the GB&I side at Essex County Club? Counting all six matches played Saturday, GB&I led for a grand total of four holes out of the 99 played.
The funny thing was, it didn't look like it was going to end so badly for the GB&I side as light rain started to damped the afternoon session. Hannah Barwood and Holly Clyburn were 2 down to Jennifer Song and Stephanie Kono after nine holes, but won the 10th and 11th to square the second match. Up ahead Danielle McVeigh and Leona Maguire had cut the lead of Alexis Thompson and Jessica Korda to just 1 up after 12 holes. And behind, Sally Watson and Rachel Jennings were only 1 down to Tiffany Lua and Jennifer Johnson after 10 holes.
But it was the Americans who made the big plays down the stretch. The Thompson/Korda pair made birdies on the 15th and 17th holes to close out their match, 3 and 1. Similarly, Song/Kono had birdies on the 13th, 16th and 17th holes to also record a 3-and-1 victory. Meanwhile, Lua/Johnson merely made pars on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes, but were able to win all three to finish with a 3-and-2 triumph.
"We were just hit with a birdie blitz basically," said GB&I captain Mary McKenna. "At some stage of the match, there was a hope of coming through and we didn't."
Indeed, the U.S. made 22 birdies during the morning fourball sessions and seven more in the afternoon foursomes. That compared to GB&I's 15 morning and five afternoon birdies.
"I really felt like the girls were going to start making some putts today," Mohler said. "I felt like they were a little tentative on the greens yesterday."
To retain the cup, the Americans have to win just 1.5 points on Sunday. To win it outright for the seventh straight time, they must win only two of the eight singles matches. Conversely, GB&I needs to win seven of the eight to win the cup.
"We've got eight matches tomorrow," McKenna said. "Who knows? We're capable of taking the eight. It might be a little bit of a miracle. We'd take seven then."
****
Quietly, Alexis Thompson is having an impressive go of it as she concludes her amateur career this week. With her afternoon victory, she's now 3-0-1 for the week, winning twice while paired with fellow junior phenom Jessica Korda.
And then there was Jennifer Song, the reigning U.S. Women's Amateur and WAPL champion who is also turning pro next week. Song made an amazing nine birdies during her morning fourball match with Cydney Clanton and two (one conceeded) in her afternoon foursomes match with Kono.
"She was very focused this morning," said Mohler. "Her play yesterday was uncharacteristic of her and I think disappointed. But she didn't show that. She wasn't down last night. but she was the first one here this morning. I could tell she was in the zone this morning."
****
Sunday Pairings
Singles
GB&I vs. U.S.
11:30 a.m.—Danielle McVeigh vs. Jennifer Song
11:40—Sally Watson vs. Alexis Thompson
11:50—Rachel Jennings vs. Jennifer Johnson
12 p.m.—Lisa Maguire vs. Kimberley Kim
12:10—Hannah Barwood vs. Cydney Clanton
12:20—Leona Maguire vs. Tiffany Lua
12:30—Pamela Pretswell vs. Jessica Korda
12:40—Holly Clyburn vs. Stephanie Kono
Saturday PM
Foursomes results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA defeats Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire, 3 and 1
Jennifer Song/Stephanie Kono, USA defeats Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn, 3 and 1
Tiffany Lua/Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, 3 and 2
USA 8.5, GB&I 3.5
Saturday AM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, defeats Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, 2 and 1
Jennifer Song/Cydney Clanton, USA, defeats Leona Maguire/Lisa Maguire, 3 and 2
Stephanie Kono/Kimberly Kim, USA, defeats Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, 2 up
USA 5.5, GB&I 3.5
Friday PM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. USA
Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, GB&I, defeats Jennifer Song/Kimberly Kim, 4 and 3
Alexis Thompson/Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Rachel Jennings/Leona Maguire, 3 and 2
Sally Watson/Lisa Maguire, GB&I, defeats Jessica Korda/Tiffany Lua, 1 up
GB&I 3.5, USA 2.5
Friday AM
Foursomes results
Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, GB&I vs. Jennifer Song/Jennifer Johnson, USA, All square
Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn, GB&I vs. Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, All square
Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire, GB&I vs. Cydney Clanton/Stephanie Kono, USA, All square
GB&I 1.5, USA 1.5
Just when it appeared that Great Britain & Ireland was ready for the upset of the United States at the 36th Curtis Cup, captain Noreen Mohler's American side put on one of the most dominant performances in the event's 78-year history.
Having swept the three morning fourball matches, the U.S. claimed victory in all three afternoon foursomes matches, giving them a commanding 8.5-3.5 lead entering Sunday's singles play.
While this is just the second time the event has been contested over three days, never has any side ever swept an entire day's matches.
"A lot of people asked me what did I say to them last night to make them play so well this morning," Mohler noted after Saturday's play. "I said: 'Absolutely nothing.' We went home last night and we were so tired and hungry that we had dinner and went to bed and that was it. These girls know what it takes to play the golf that they do. And they motivate themselves. They don't really need me to do that for them.
"I just make sure they're fed."
How bad did it get for the GB&I side at Essex County Club? Counting all six matches played Saturday, GB&I led for a grand total of four holes out of the 99 played.
The funny thing was, it didn't look like it was going to end so badly for the GB&I side as light rain started to damped the afternoon session. Hannah Barwood and Holly Clyburn were 2 down to Jennifer Song and Stephanie Kono after nine holes, but won the 10th and 11th to square the second match. Up ahead Danielle McVeigh and Leona Maguire had cut the lead of Alexis Thompson and Jessica Korda to just 1 up after 12 holes. And behind, Sally Watson and Rachel Jennings were only 1 down to Tiffany Lua and Jennifer Johnson after 10 holes.
But it was the Americans who made the big plays down the stretch. The Thompson/Korda pair made birdies on the 15th and 17th holes to close out their match, 3 and 1. Similarly, Song/Kono had birdies on the 13th, 16th and 17th holes to also record a 3-and-1 victory. Meanwhile, Lua/Johnson merely made pars on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes, but were able to win all three to finish with a 3-and-2 triumph.
"We were just hit with a birdie blitz basically," said GB&I captain Mary McKenna. "At some stage of the match, there was a hope of coming through and we didn't."
Indeed, the U.S. made 22 birdies during the morning fourball sessions and seven more in the afternoon foursomes. That compared to GB&I's 15 morning and five afternoon birdies.
"I really felt like the girls were going to start making some putts today," Mohler said. "I felt like they were a little tentative on the greens yesterday."
To retain the cup, the Americans have to win just 1.5 points on Sunday. To win it outright for the seventh straight time, they must win only two of the eight singles matches. Conversely, GB&I needs to win seven of the eight to win the cup.
"We've got eight matches tomorrow," McKenna said. "Who knows? We're capable of taking the eight. It might be a little bit of a miracle. We'd take seven then."
****
Quietly, Alexis Thompson is having an impressive go of it as she concludes her amateur career this week. With her afternoon victory, she's now 3-0-1 for the week, winning twice while paired with fellow junior phenom Jessica Korda.
And then there was Jennifer Song, the reigning U.S. Women's Amateur and WAPL champion who is also turning pro next week. Song made an amazing nine birdies during her morning fourball match with Cydney Clanton and two (one conceeded) in her afternoon foursomes match with Kono.
"She was very focused this morning," said Mohler. "Her play yesterday was uncharacteristic of her and I think disappointed. But she didn't show that. She wasn't down last night. but she was the first one here this morning. I could tell she was in the zone this morning."
****
Sunday Pairings
Singles
GB&I vs. U.S.
11:30 a.m.—Danielle McVeigh vs. Jennifer Song
11:40—Sally Watson vs. Alexis Thompson
11:50—Rachel Jennings vs. Jennifer Johnson
12 p.m.—Lisa Maguire vs. Kimberley Kim
12:10—Hannah Barwood vs. Cydney Clanton
12:20—Leona Maguire vs. Tiffany Lua
12:30—Pamela Pretswell vs. Jessica Korda
12:40—Holly Clyburn vs. Stephanie Kono
Saturday PM
Foursomes results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA defeats Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire, 3 and 1
Jennifer Song/Stephanie Kono, USA defeats Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn, 3 and 1
Tiffany Lua/Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, 3 and 2
USA 8.5, GB&I 3.5
Saturday AM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, defeats Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, 2 and 1
Jennifer Song/Cydney Clanton, USA, defeats Leona Maguire/Lisa Maguire, 3 and 2
Stephanie Kono/Kimberly Kim, USA, defeats Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, 2 up
USA 5.5, GB&I 3.5
Friday PM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. USA
Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, GB&I, defeats Jennifer Song/Kimberly Kim, 4 and 3
Alexis Thompson/Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Rachel Jennings/Leona Maguire, 3 and 2
Sally Watson/Lisa Maguire, GB&I, defeats Jessica Korda/Tiffany Lua, 1 up
GB&I 3.5, USA 2.5
Friday AM
Foursomes results
Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, GB&I vs. Jennifer Song/Jennifer Johnson, USA, All square
Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn, GB&I vs. Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, All square
Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire, GB&I vs. Cydney Clanton/Stephanie Kono, USA, All square
GB&I 1.5, USA 1.5
USA rolls in Saturday fourballs; takes 2-pt overall lead
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, MASS.—With the United States trailing after Day 1 of the Curtis Cup for the first time since 1996, the Americans had a response. Playing Saturday morning fourballs, captain Noreen Mohler's squad swept all three matches, taking a 5.5-3.5 overall lead over Great Britain & Ireland at Essex County Club.
The Americans took control early, winning the first five holes contested in the morning. It was more than an hour before any of the GB&I pair won a hole in any match.
In the lead-off spot, Alexis Thompson and Jessica Korda won their first three holes and had a 4-up lead after eight over the GB&I's top duo from the previous day, Danielle McVeigh and Pamela Pretswell. While their advantage was cut 1 up after 14 holes, the Americans ultimately prevailed 2 and 1.
Jennifer Song and Cydney Clanton similarly seemed in control all morning in their 3-and-2 victory in the second match over GB&I's 15-year-old twins, Lisa and Leona Maguire. Song, the reigning U.S. Women's Amateur and WAPL champion, forgot her Friday putting woes, making nine birdies on her ball alone en route to the win.
"I definitely was making a lot of putts," Song said. "I just read the line and [they fell in]."
"Yesterday neither of us was made a lot of putts and things just weren't dropping," Clanton noted. "And so to see putts drop early on was a great confidence boost. It kind of let us sit back and relax."
While Stephanie Kono and Kimberly Kim also got off to a quick start in Match 3, taking a 3-up lead after six holes, GB&I's Sally Watson and Rachel Jennings slowly fought back. A birdie on No. 7, par on No. 8 and birdie on No. 12 squared the match for the visitors. Another birdie on the 13th gave them the only GB&I lead of the day.
Yet the Americans hung on, making a birdie of their own on the 15th to get the match back to all square. Then Kono holed an eight-footer for birdie on 17 to put the U.S. back in the lead.
With the match coming down the 18th, both Watson and Jennings hit their drives left into the heather. Despite several dozen spectators helping in the search, Jennings' ball couldn't be found, leaving Watson to go it alone in hopes of swiping a half point.
Watson's second shot impressively stopped five feet from the hole. As the birdie putt approached the hole, Watson thought it was going to drop, starting to pump her fist, only to see the ball hit the left lip and roll a foot away from the hole.
"Today was like moving day," said Song. "I'm so happy that everybody is doing pretty well right now."
Saturday PM Pairings
Foursomes
GB&I vs. U.S.
2:15 p.m.—Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire vs. Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda
2:25—Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn vs. Jennifer Song/Stephanie Kono
2:35—Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings vs. Tiffany Lua/Jennifer Johnson
Saturday AM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, defeats Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, 2 and 1
Jennifer Song/Cydney Clanton, USA, defeats Leona Maguire/Lisa Maguire, 3 and 2
Stephanie Kono/Kimberly Kim, USA, defeats Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, 2 up
USA 5.5, GB&I 3.5
Friday PM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. USA
Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, GB&I, defeats Jennifer Song/Kimberly Kim, 4 and 3
Alexis Thompson/Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Rachel Jennings/Leona Maguire, 3 and 2
Sally Watson/Lisa Maguire, GB&I, defeats Jessica Korda/Tiffany Lua, 1 up
GB&I 3.5, USA 2.5
Friday AM pairings
Foursomes results
Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, GB&I vs. Jennifer Song/Jennifer Johnson, USA, All square
Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn, GB&I vs. Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, All square
Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire, GB&I vs. Cydney Clanton/Stephanie Kono, USA, All square
GB&I 1.5, USA 1.5
The Americans took control early, winning the first five holes contested in the morning. It was more than an hour before any of the GB&I pair won a hole in any match.
In the lead-off spot, Alexis Thompson and Jessica Korda won their first three holes and had a 4-up lead after eight over the GB&I's top duo from the previous day, Danielle McVeigh and Pamela Pretswell. While their advantage was cut 1 up after 14 holes, the Americans ultimately prevailed 2 and 1.
Jennifer Song and Cydney Clanton similarly seemed in control all morning in their 3-and-2 victory in the second match over GB&I's 15-year-old twins, Lisa and Leona Maguire. Song, the reigning U.S. Women's Amateur and WAPL champion, forgot her Friday putting woes, making nine birdies on her ball alone en route to the win.
"I definitely was making a lot of putts," Song said. "I just read the line and [they fell in]."
"Yesterday neither of us was made a lot of putts and things just weren't dropping," Clanton noted. "And so to see putts drop early on was a great confidence boost. It kind of let us sit back and relax."
While Stephanie Kono and Kimberly Kim also got off to a quick start in Match 3, taking a 3-up lead after six holes, GB&I's Sally Watson and Rachel Jennings slowly fought back. A birdie on No. 7, par on No. 8 and birdie on No. 12 squared the match for the visitors. Another birdie on the 13th gave them the only GB&I lead of the day.
Yet the Americans hung on, making a birdie of their own on the 15th to get the match back to all square. Then Kono holed an eight-footer for birdie on 17 to put the U.S. back in the lead.
With the match coming down the 18th, both Watson and Jennings hit their drives left into the heather. Despite several dozen spectators helping in the search, Jennings' ball couldn't be found, leaving Watson to go it alone in hopes of swiping a half point.
Watson's second shot impressively stopped five feet from the hole. As the birdie putt approached the hole, Watson thought it was going to drop, starting to pump her fist, only to see the ball hit the left lip and roll a foot away from the hole.
"Today was like moving day," said Song. "I'm so happy that everybody is doing pretty well right now."
Saturday PM Pairings
Foursomes
GB&I vs. U.S.
2:15 p.m.—Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire vs. Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda
2:25—Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn vs. Jennifer Song/Stephanie Kono
2:35—Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings vs. Tiffany Lua/Jennifer Johnson
Saturday AM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. U.S.
Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, defeats Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, 2 and 1
Jennifer Song/Cydney Clanton, USA, defeats Leona Maguire/Lisa Maguire, 3 and 2
Stephanie Kono/Kimberly Kim, USA, defeats Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, 2 up
USA 5.5, GB&I 3.5
Friday PM
Fourball results
GB&I vs. USA
Danielle McVeigh/Pamela Pretswell, GB&I, defeats Jennifer Song/Kimberly Kim, 4 and 3
Alexis Thompson/Jennifer Johnson, USA, defeats Rachel Jennings/Leona Maguire, 3 and 2
Sally Watson/Lisa Maguire, GB&I, defeats Jessica Korda/Tiffany Lua, 1 up
GB&I 3.5, USA 2.5
Friday AM pairings
Foursomes results
Sally Watson/Rachel Jennings, GB&I vs. Jennifer Song/Jennifer Johnson, USA, All square
Hannah Barwood/Holly Clyburn, GB&I vs. Alexis Thompson/Jessica Korda, USA, All square
Danielle McVeigh/Leona Maguire, GB&I vs. Cydney Clanton/Stephanie Kono, USA, All square
GB&I 1.5, USA 1.5
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