Stelzmiller, Kim Conclude U.S. Women's Open

Links associated with this release:
U.S. Women's Open Tournament Site
Golfweek Player Blogs for Kim and Stelzmiller

UC Davis' Alice Kim

UC Davis' Chelsea Stelzmiller

Courtesy of UC Davis Athletics Department

UC Davis' Chelsea Stelzmiller and Alice Kim each shot rounds of 8-over 79 on Friday at difficult Saucon Valley Country Club, bringing to a close memorable experiences at the U.S. Women's Open and the first-ever appearances by Aggies at the event.

The players shot identical two-round scores of 17-over 159 at the 6,740-yard course, tying for 121st in the standings. The top 60 players and ties, along with players within 10 shots of the leader, made the cut to play the weekend's rounds. That cut came at 9-over.

Cristie Kerr shot a 1-under 70 on Friday and has a one-shot lead at 3-under. Paula Creamer is one back while Jean Reynolds is two off the pace. They are the only players under par at the Saucon Valley which is measuring as the third-longest in U.S. Open history.

Stelzmiller, who was in the opening group off the first tee on Friday, had bogeys on her first two holes but then put together an impressive run in which she played the next 11 holes one shot under par. A birdie at the par-3, 154-yard No. 5 was her second birdie of the tournament and helped her during that rally.

Kim, who hit 9 of 18 greens in regulation, highlighted her round with a birdie at the par-3 11th, capping a run in which she played the eighth through 11th holes at 1-under.

The pair tied for 17th among the 28 amateurs that qualified for the tournament.

It was a memorable week for the UC Davis Aggies who qualified for the event with top showings at the sectional tournament in Santa Cruz last month. Kim had earlier advanced to that event from a local qualifier in Stockton while Stelzmiller earned a spot in the sectional due to her quarterfinal appearance at last year's U.S. Women's Amateur.

Both players have enjoyed standout careers with the Aggies which have included competition in two NCAA Division I Championships and All-Big West Conference honors.