Liu Yan is congratulated on her success.
Shanghai, China: Teenage amateur star
Liu Yan will fly the flag for China in the upcoming US Women’s Open.
Upstaging her professional rivals, the 18-year-old Xiamen native won the 36-hole China sectional qualifier played over the Lan Hai International Golf Club Forest Course on Chongming Island.
Liu, who picked up a golf club for the first time in 2013, carded rounds of 73 and 68 in the one-day event for a three-under 141 total.
“It’s very exciting to qualify for the US Women’s Open. I never expected this. I treated the 36 holes like a learning experience,” said the China national team member.
One stroke off the lead going into the final 18 holes in the 44-player field, Liu closed with a strong round that included six birdies and two bogeys over the
Jack Nicklaus-designed layout.
Zhang Yunjie rounded out a strong day for Chinese amateurs as she finished runner-up after two rounds of even-par 72. Thai pro
Thanuttra Boonraksasat (72-74) was third.
China will have a strong contingent at the CordeValle south of San Jose for the 71st US Women’s Open from July 7-10.
Feng Shanshan,
Lin Xiyu,
Lu Wanyao,
Shi Yuting,
Pan Yanhong,
Ye Liying and
He Muni have already qualified for the 156-player field.
