Mariajo Uribe secured top spot at the U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier held at Golf & Country Club Seddiner See after finishing on 10-under-par.
The Colombian, who won the 2024 Women’s NSW Open, secured medallist honours and fired a course record of 62 (-10).
Uribe started her second round with an eagle on the first and rolled in a birdie on the second hole.
She also made birdies on holes five, six and eight before making four in a row on holes 13 thru 16 to secure her spot in the second Major of the year.
“I am just relieved, I didn’t really well this week here, so it was a little hard to just stand around,” said Uribe.
“I knew I had to go super low because the girls played really good in the morning and I shot even. I’m really happy it was enough and I don’t have to play a playoff and it’s all done.
“It’s going to be unbelievable because my last tournament on American soil is going to be the U.S. Open – it’s my favourite tournament. It’s the icing on the cake, this year keeps getting better and better. It’s a course that I really like, I played it in 2015 so I’m really looking forward to it.”
South Africa’s Casandra Alexander also got her ticket to the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally, which will be held from May 30 til June 2.
The 24-year-old produced consecutive rounds of 68-68 to finish in second place and it will be debut in the Championship for the South African.
“That was the goal coming into today, but I can’t believe it’s actually happened. It was good,” said Alexander.
“I played nicely. I was one-over through nine and I said to my caddie, we’re not going to get in with anything like this. I’m going to start being aggressive and went for a lot of pins, it cost me on a couple of holes, but I said if it was meant to be it was meant to be.
“I’m really excited to be heading to America, it’s my second time ever. I really enjoyed it last time and I enjoy American courses as I think they suit my game really well and in the future that’s where I see myself.”
At the end of 36 holes, it was Slovenia’s Pia Babnik and South Africa’s Nicole Garcia who shared third place on seven-under-par.
However, with three qualifying spots up for grabs, the duo headed back out on the course and it took four holes to separate the pair.
On the ninth hole, Babnik rolled in her birdie putt to clinch her spot and will be making her second appearance in the U.S. Women’s Open.
“I’m feeling great,” said the two-time LET winner. “I am just so happy that my game is back after last year and super happy to be playing in the U.S. Women’s Open again.
“It’s been tough when things aren’t going great. I have changed some things, it’s going well and I’m playing better every week. I’m excited for the tournaments coming up.
“The first time I played it was two years ago, it was an amazing atmosphere and I can’t wait to see it again.”
