Pia Babnik and Klara Davidson Spilkova topped the leaderboard at the U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in Milan both finishing on six-under par to play their way into the second Major of the year.
With two spots up for grabs in the prestigious event – this year taking place at Erin Hills in Wisconsin at the end of May – a total of 58 players tee’d up at Golf Club Ambrosiano in the two round European qualifier.
Babnik, a qualifier last year in Germany, carded consecutive rounds of 69 (-3) to set the initial 36-hole target. She was followed by fellow Olympian Davidson Spilkova who fired an excellent 67 (-5) in the afternoon.
“I just feel amazing,” Babnik said. “Today I played so good. I hit it the best I have in weeks. I had a 30 minute break [in-between rounds], but it was a great day. We had beautiful weather and hardly any wind which helped a lot. The conditions were great and the greens stayed consistent throughout the day so it was easier to putt.
The 21-year-old Slovenian, a two-time winner on the Ladies European Tour (LET), will play in her second U.S. Women’s Open when the tournament heads to Wisconsin for its 80th edition.
Last time out, having earned a spot following a mighty playoff in the qualifier against Nicole Garcia, Babnik finished T29.
She continued: “I was really determined [to qualify again]. I came here with one goal and that was to qualify. I enjoyed it so much last year. The U.S. Open is probably one of my favourite events so I really wanted to make it back and I’m super excited.”
Davidson Spilkova meanwhile – back fully fit after a hip injury at the end of 2024 – will tee up in her second U.S. Women’s Open in May. The Czech star missed the cut in her only outing to date at the Major in 2018.
She said: “I feel very grateful and very happy, to be honest. I was not really sure what my score was this afternoon because I was quire tired. I made a lot of birdie on the back nine. It feels amazing. I really stayed in the present moment and I had a lot of fun with my caddie, my manager. She was out here for the first time today. We were in a really good mood all day and tried to stay positive.
“I was quite nervous at the end because I knew I was doing well. Back then [in 2018] it [the U.S. Women’s Open] was amazing. I remember how hard it was, the golf course was really long, and coming into this qualifier I knew I really wanted to get back. I played in the US for four years [on the LPGA] so I thought it would be nice to enjoy the environment. I really wanted to make it make. I’m really grateful.
“It gives me a lot of confidence coming out of my medical. To be honest, it hasn’t been easy. But this year has been pretty good. Pretty solid. It’s nice to be back on the LET and to be able to regularly and compete making lots of birdies. I’m healthy and happy.”
Switzerland’s Kim Metraux and Norway’s Dorthea Forbrigd had to settle for alternate spots despite solid performances in Italy. Metraux claimed first reserve after beating the latter in a one-hole playoff (the lefty birded the 18th in the extra hole).
