MajorsBrian KeoghAine Donegan, US Women's Open

Donegan on the brink of another US Women’s Open start

MajorsBrian KeoghAine Donegan, US Women's Open
Donegan on the brink of another US Women’s Open start
Amateur Aine Donegan tees off on the fourth hole during the first round of the 2023 U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Calif. on Thursday, July 6, 2023. (Darren Carroll/USGA)

Lahinch’s Aine Donegan faces a nervous wait in Texas to see if she qualifies for her second US Women’s Open in a row.

The Ennis and LSU golfer followed a four-under 68 with a 67 in her qualifier at Rockwall G&AC to hold the clubhouse lead on nine-under in the battle for two places in the US Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania from May 30 to June 2.

Donegan (22), who qualified for last year’s US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach and contended at the weekend before finishing tied for 45th, had a two-stroke clubhouse lead over fellow amateurs Savannah Barber (14 holes) and Taiwan’s Huai-Chien Hsu (12 holes) with 15 players still to finish.

Scores

She’s accompanied in Texas by her coach, Glenlo Abbey professional Gary Madden.

Play was suspended at 8:02 pm last night due to darkness and resumes today at 8 am local time (2 pm Irish time).