Olivia Mehaffey and Lois Lau came out on top at the U.S. Women’s Open qualifier at the Buckinghamshire on Monday punching their tickets to the second Major of the year.
With two spots up for grabs in the prestigious event – this year taking place at The Riviera Country Club next month – a total of 50 players including 13 Ladies European Tour (LET) winners competed in the two round European qualifier.
Northern Ireland’s Mehaffey was the leading player through 36 holes carding rounds of 70-71 to win the qualifier on three-under par. She will tee up at her third U.S. Women’s Open next month having earned a spot in 2018 and 2020 while an amateur at Arizona State University (ASU).
“It was such a grind today,” Mehaffey said, who lost in a playoff when the Buckinghamshire last hosted a qualifier in 2022. “Just such a long day. It was really cold and windy, we had a bit of everything in there. I did a really good job mentally and stayed patient all day. It’s nice to come out on top. U.S. Opens are really tough! All I remember before was how tough the setup was. I haven’t played a Major as a professional so it’s going to be fun.
“It was heartbreaking missing out before [in 2022]. And I almost didn’t play this week as I’m playing in Germany this week [at the Amundi German Masters]. A few people convinced me to play so I’m glad I did!”
Lau meanwhile followed up the round of the morning 68 (-3) with a 73 (+1) to finish T2 alongside English duo Meghan MacLaren and Bronte Law – both multiple-time LET winners.
With only one more available in California, it was back to the par-3 18th for the trio for a sudden death playoff.
As staff and members watched on at the Buckinghamshire – the headquarters of the LET – Lau dialled in a spectacular approach before rolling in the birdie putt under pressure. The Frenchwoman would qualify for her debut Major as MacLaren and Law both came close to chipping after missing the green right.
“I feel so excited,” Lou said, who competed on the LET Access Series (LETAS) in 2025. “I’ve worked really hard and today my game was really good. I have no words, I’m speechless. It was a long day – good thing we finished before dark. I stuck to my process. Long day but happy day.
“I was quite nervous in the playoff. I felt the pressure, but good pressure. I felt the adrenaline. I’ve always wanted to play at a Major so this is awesome. I’m really, really excited.”
The pair join Canada’s Anna Huang and Slovenia’s Ana Belac in earning a place in the second Major of the year through open qualifying.
Law takes the first alternate spot after MacLaren missed her downhill par putt in the playoff at the Buckinghamshire.
The 81st U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally takes place between June 4-7 at The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, California. More information about the tournament can be found on the USGA website.
