Ruiz Medals, Four Golfers Qualify for U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur
WAYNE N.J. - Liliana Ruiz fired a 1-over par 74 to pace the field, as four women qualified for the 59th U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship at The Lakewood Club in Point Clear, Alabama. Ruiz, Jen Holland, Joann Ferrieri, and Marianne Springer earned their spots by qualifying Thursday morning at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne. Nicoll Keeney and Maki Drake earned first and second alternate positions, respectively.
Overnight rain delayed the start of the qualifier by an hour. Once the event began, there were no stoppages, despite occasional light showers. In the humid conditions, Ruiz carded a 1-over par front nine before opening the back nine with back-to-back birdies. She cruised to her 1-over par 74.
“I was able to hit the fairways, the greens in regulation, and some putts went in,” Ruiz said. “I was able to keep calm and not overdo it. That really helped.”
For Ruiz, this will be her fourth USGA event. She has played in two Mid-Amateur Championships and one Senior Amateur.
“The hardest part for me is the qualifier,” Ruiz said. “I really like match play. It’s a total different game. I’m just going to try to get into a rhythm and see if I qualify. I’m very happy.”
Jen Holland (+4) finished second, Joann Ferrieri (+5) finished third, and Marianne Springer (+7) earned the final qualifying spot. Nicoll Keely (+9) and Maki Drake (+11) finished fifth and sixth. The U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship will take place at The Lakewood Club in Point Clear, Alabama on September 10-15.
