Meadow relishing North Carolina memories at US Women's Open
Stephanie Meadow. Picture: Philip Magowan / PressEye
STEPHANIE Meadow is hoping to roll back the clock in this week’s $10 million US Women’s Open and show the putting form that helped her finish third on her last visit to North Carolina for the biggest event in women’s golf.
The Jordanstown star (30) made her professional debut in the 2014 US Women’s Open at Pinehurst No 2 and finished an incredible third behind Michelle Wie, who has announced she’s stepping away from the LPGA at 32.
Wie had to live with huge hype and a string of injuries, but Meadow is still chasing her dream, and she believes her steady, grinding game is a great fit at Pine Needles, which is hosting its fourth US Women’s Open.
“I think it’s going to suit more of a steady player than somebody you kind of bombs it and makes lots of birdies,” said Meadow, who is joined in North Carolina by Leona Maguire.
“I think it’s more about how many bogeys you don’t make as opposed to how many birdies you make, so that’s going to be key, and that fits right into my game.
“I know 18 or 20 under is not going to win in a Major, though you never know. I think it’s more about having a steady game, and that’s been my MO for quite a long time, so I’m excited.”
Meadow struggled to keep her card in 2019 and 2021, but she’s 62nd in the LPGA rankings this year and confident she’s putting well enough to contend.
“I’m feeling good about my form,” she said. “I’ve had a good start to the season, and I’ve played well. I definitely haven’t had the best weekends, but overall I’m still really happy I’m in a better position than I was in last year, so that’s good.
“My putting’s the thing that’s made the difference so far this year. In the weeks that I’ve played well, I’ve gained something like 7 to 10 shots on the field, so that’s something I have to continue doing, especially here.
“We’re going to be putting from off the greens, and I think it’s more of a short game contest where you miss it. Any week, putting is important but especially the week of a major.”
Meadow won her career biggest cheque, $271,373 in that 2014 US Open at Pinehurst and she believes she’s a far better player now.
“Coming back to North Carolina definitely brought a lot of great memories back,” she said. “It’s crazy to think it’s been eight years. That’s kind of scary, but it’s a similar golf course. It’s not quite the same, but it’s definitely similar, so hopefully, it suits my eye.
“Obviously, I played well back then, but you never know. You just have to hit good shots and make some putts. One year doesn’t mean then the next year, but it’s still great memories of where my career started, and it’s nice to come back.
“Major weeks are always fun, especially this week when we’re playing for the biggest purse in the history of women’s golf. It’s incredible. I’m just really thankful the USGA bumped up the purse and put pressure and everyone else to bump up theirs.”
As for her game plan, she sees her short iron play as key.
“I’m definitely on the longer side, so I have a lot of short irons this week, which is nice, where I can definitely spin it and be a bit more attacking,” she said.
“I think it’s going to suit more of a steady player than somebody you kind of bombs it and makes lots of birdies.”
She’s hoping the course dries put sees a similarity with last week’s test at Shadow Creek, where she exited after the group stage of the LPGA Match Play.
“Last week didn’t take that much out of me. Obviously, I didn’t make it to the last 16, and that’s really the only scenario that wears you out,” Meadow added.
“It was firm and fast, and while this is a little on the softer side right now, I still think last week was great prep.”
