Schalk & Simpson Qualify For U.S. Women’s Amateur

WESTMINSTER, Colo. – University of Colorado golfers Hailey Schalk and Issy Simpson punched their tickets to the 2021 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship on Wednesday as both tied for second at the USGA Qualifier at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve in Westminster, Colo.
 
Both Buffaloes shot a 2-under 70 and tied with Lauren Kim. Michelle Liu had the best round with a 4-under 68 at the 6,517-yard, par 72 course.
 
Schalk (Erie, Colo.) fired an eagle as well as three birdies on the front nine to shoot a 3-under 33. On the back nine, she recorded a 1-over 37 with one additional birdie.
 
"I'm really happy to qualify considering I have never qualified before and going to a USGA event is always a treat! To qualify with a teammate makes it extra special," Schalk said.  "Overall, I didn't hit the ball great today but my short game helped me. I chipped in for eagle on No. 3, which was definitely the highlight of the day! It feels good to shoot under par even when my game isn't at its best!"
 
Simpson (London, England) shot a 1-under 35 on the front and back nine. She recorded three birdies on the front and another two on the back nine.
 
"It feels amazing to qualify. I have fallen one shot short numerous times in USGA Qualifiers in the past, so to get over the line this time feels great, and to do it with a teammate makes it even more special," Simpson said.
 
Kim, Liu, Schalk and Simpson earned the four positions available to qualify for the U.S. Amateur, which will be held August 2-8, at Westchester Country Club (West Course), in Rye, New York.
 
"I'm very happy for Issy and Hailey to earn their way to the U.S. Amateur," head coach Anne Kelly said. "One day qualifying rounds are tough and the field was quite competitive, so to earn one of the four available spots speaks to the work they have put into their game and how well they handled the pressure today."