Collins Qualifies for U.S. Women's Open

June 1, 2011

NORMAN, Okla. - University of Oklahoma freshman Emily Collins was one of three golfers who qualified to compete in the 2011 U.S. Women's Open during play Tuesday at the sectional qualifier at the 6,425-yard, par-71 Prestonwood Country Club in Plano, Texas.

Collins followed a first-round 76 (+5) with a second-round 66 (-5) for a 36-hole total of 142 (E) and finished with the qualifier's second-lowest score. Sarah Kemp, an LPGA player from Australia, won the qualifier with matching rounds of 69-69 to post a 36-hole total of 138 (-4). Also qualifying was Chelsea Mocio with a score of 143 (+1).

Collins' 66 was the lowest single-round score by any of the Prestonwood qualifier's participants.

"I was disappointed with my first round, but coming into the second round I knew I needed to do better so I went into that round with the number 66 in my head," said Collins. "I just went out there and accomplished my goal and I am really excited to play in the U.S. Open. It is really cool I get to represent OU and it's a great opportunity to see how I match up against professionals."

The U.S. Women's Open will take place July 7-10 at the Broadmoor East Course in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Said OU head coach Veronique Drouin, "I am really proud of Emily. She's been working hard all year and I am glad to see it pay off at the right time. She's one of two OU players to ever qualify for this prestigious event and it will be a great experience for her to play alongside the best players in the world."

Collins competed in all 11 OU team tournaments this past year as a true freshman, averaging 76.52 strokes per round. She was a success right out of the gate, finishing tied for eighth place in the season-opening Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C., and tied for fourth at OU's Susie Maxwell Berning Classic.

Isabelle (Blais) Beisiegel is the only other former Sooner to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open while in college. She competed in the 1998 event at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wis., finishing in 36th place.

Beisiegel made news last week when she became the first female to earn a men's professional golf tour playing card. The 32-year-old from Montreal, Quebec, shot an 8-over 296 at the Canadian Tour Qualifying School to finish in ninth place Friday at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, B.C. She shot a field-leading third-round 68 (-4) before closing with a fourth-round 75 in rainy conditions to earn status on the men's Canadian Tour.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Collins Qualifies for U.S. Women's Open

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