New Jersey's Marina Alex Top American At U.S. Women's Open
By Greg Mattura, Bergen Record
Marina Alex didn’t just represent New Jersey – she carried the banner for the United States, and in front of the President.
The Wayne native delivered a pressure-packed, bogey-free final round on Sunday at the 72nd U.S. Women’s Open to climb into a tie for 11th - the best finish by an American. She was runner-up in the NJSGA 2002 Junior Girls Championship.
Alex’s 2-under-par 70, in front of family, friends and President Donald Trump, marked her third time breaking par on the Old Course at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.
“It was tough going into it. I knew there was going to be a ton of fans, and just a ton of pressure to play well,” Alex said after shooting 4-under 284. “And I handled it the best I could, so I’m pleased.”
Alex, 26, a two-time New Jersey high school champion at Wayne Hills High School, heard yells of “Jersey” on Sunday “on every hole.” Fans from around the country could have yelled “U-S-A” during a round in which she had 16 pars and two birdies.
“I’m really glad that the state of New Jersey and the community found an interest in coming out to watch me, and watching women’s golf, and being out here, so I’m really happy,” Alex said.
By the time she reached the par-5 18th hole, Alex had more than three dozen family members, friends, even a couple of her former teachers, in her gallery. She labeled Sunday’s performance “a great round,” and signed autographs as she came off the course.
Her parents, Steve and Marissa, and younger brother, Anthony, all of whom now live in Florida, were able to stay with family during the week and reconnect with friends.
"It’s been fantastic,” said Marissa. “Seeing all our old friends, and being with our family, it’s indescribable. And she played great – and the President’s here. It’s fantastic, it’s outrageous. And she handled the pressure unbelievably.”
“It’s been great, because all of our friends are here, so it’s like a homecoming,” said Steve. “Everybody she’s played golf with in all her years here, and it’s been terrific.”
“It’s very special to come back to New Jersey, where we grew up, and watch her play in a U.S. Open,” said Anthony, who won three state Group titles in his three years at Wayne Hills. “And especially have her play fantastic golf these four days. it’s been amazing to watch.”
Alex is in her fourth season on the LPGA Tour and this marked her second-best finish at a major. In July of 2014, she tied for ninth at the Women’s British Open.
“This is awesome,” said Marina Alex, who also now lives in Florida. “I feel like I’ve improved so much from then to now in terms of my game, and it’s just nice to be back close to the lead.”
Her accuracy off the tee carried her all four days. She hit 49 of 56 fairways, including 13-for-14 on Sunday. She also hit 50 of her 72 greens in regulation. She made more than a dozen clutch putts, including an 8-foot par save Sunday on the par-4 17th.
She did not suffer a bogey over the final 30 holes of the Open, starting with Saturday’s seventh hole. She played those final 30 holes at 6-under and said, “I’m really incredibly happy with that.” That stretch began after she started Saturday’s third round at 5-over through the first six holes.
