Northern Ireland’s Olivia Mehaffey had a good start to the week qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open presented by Ally.
The 28-year-old topped the leaderboard at the 36-hole qualifier held at The Buckinghamshire Golf Club to secure her spot at Riviera Country Club in June.
“Last time I played at the Bucks, I lost in a playoff, so that was a bummer,” she said. “It was nice to get the job done. I actually holed a bunker shot on the last hole, so that was exciting. It’s just really exciting to play in another U.S. Women’s Open.
“It’s obviously different and I think it’s nice earning your place. I was quite fortunate as an amateur to have got exemptions in, but it’s nice to go out and earn it and it’ll be really nice to play as a professional.”
Mehaffey then flew from England to Germany for the start of the European swing on the Ladies European Tour (LET).
This week sees the 2026 Amundi German Masters held from May 14-17 on the North Course at Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg.
It’s the second time Mehaffey has been to this course, although in 2025 she unfortunately had to withdraw after only nine holes; however, she is looking forward to the tough test ahead.
She continued: “I only actually played nine holes last year and had to withdraw because I was injured, so it’ll be nice to get to play this year. I remember it being a really tough course and a really good setup. That will be nice prep for U.S. Open.
“I tend to like it when it’s tough. It was really tough at the Bucks. The greens were firm and the weather conditions weren’t great. I feel like growing up in Ireland, you’re well used to these conditions, even though I would complain every five minutes that it’s cold.
“It’s one of those courses you have to do everything well. You have to drive it well and the greens are tough. You have to hit it in the right spots and it’s very demanding tee to green. It’s just one of those golf courses, a great test to test every part of your game. I love golf courses that are tough and I think good golf gets rewarded very well here.”
Mehaffey spent much of 2026 in South Africa for the Sunshine Ladies Tour and is teeing it up in her fourth LET event of the season this week.
The Northern Irishwoman has put in a lot of work to her game over the winter months and believes it’s starting to pay off this season.
She added: “I’ve been racking up the airmiles! I feel like I have barely been home, but it’s been good. I made a lot of progress. I’ve put so much work into my game with my team.
“I’ve changed equipment, I’ve done everything. It’s nice to feel like the results are coming together now. It’s been like a lot of hard work, and I just feel like everything’s been trending nicely in the right direction.”
Keep up to date with all the action throughout on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook – #AmundiGermanMasters.
