July 9, 2009
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Incoming freshman Ashleigh Albrecht resumes play Friday at the 64th U.S. Women’s Open Championship after shooting a 17-over-par 88 in Thursday’s opening round at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa.
The Murrieta, Calif., native made her U.S. Open debut on the front nine of the par-71 Old Course. Albrecht made the turn with a 47 and posted a 41 on the second nine. Recording two birdies for the round, Albrecht averaged 1.83 putts per hole.
“Unfortunately, Ashleigh didn’t get off to the start she wanted and had trouble finding her rhythm today,” head coach Myra Blackwelder said of Albrecht’s performance. “The U.S. Open creates golf’s most difficult conditions, which makes it very tough. I am sure that she will use this as a learning experience that will ultimately make her a better player. She is the kind of player that never gives up, and I am sure she will bounce back and finish strong tomorrow. Ashleigh is very accomplished for a player that has played golf a mere four years. We are delighted that she will be coming to UK in the fall and know that she will be a significant contributor to our team.”
Rejoining her first round partners Libby Smith and Jessica Carafiello, Albrecht tees off Friday at 9:12 a.m. EDT on the Old Course’s 10th hole.
Na Yeon Choi currently leads the tournament with a 3-under-par 68. Cristie Kerr, Loreno Ochoa and Jean Reynolds stand in a three-way tie for second place at 2-under-par.
Albrecht secured a tournament berth June 11 in the U.S. Women’s Open Sectional Qualifying rounds at Carolina Trace Country Club in Sanford, N.C, shooting a two-round 2-over-par 146 (76, 80).
The last Wildcat to compete in an LPGA event was recent graduate Mallory Blackwelder, who competed in the Kraft Nabisco Championship and Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic in 2008.
A recent graduate of Murrieta Valley High School, Albrecht brings the vast experience of a multiple-sport athlete with a successful junior golfing career to the 2009-10 Wildcat season. In January, Albrecht won the PGA West Mid-Season Championship at Laquinta, Calif., and as a result was invited to represent Team USA in the Euro Cup Team Matches in Scotland and the Mizuno Cup in Canada.
