BARRINGTON, RI – LSU’s NCAA champion Austin Ernst showed no ill effects of a layoff from competitive golf in the opening round of qualifying of the 111th United States Women’s Amateur at the Rhode Island Country Club Monday.
Ernst posted an even par round of 71 to stand in a tie for 14th place in the field of 156 that survived through three rain delays to get the first of two qualifying rounds. The second qualifying round is Tuesday and the top 64 players after 36 holes will advance to match play beginning on Wednesday.
Jihee Kim is the leader after 18 holes as the Korean golfer posted a five-under par 66 on the Donald Ross-designed card. The 64th spot after the first round is at three-over par as 68 golfers shot 74 or better. There will be a playoff if golfers are tied for the 64th and final spot.
For Ernst, the round is her first competitive round since she captured the NCAA D1 Women’s Golf Championship for the Lady Tigers to complete her freshman season at The Traditions Club in Bryan, Texas.
The Seneca, S.C., is looking to make a run similar to the run former LSU golfer Meredith Duncan made 10 years ago in 2001 to win the amateur title.
Ernst’s second round is scheduled to begin on the 10th tee Tuesday at 11:37 a.m. CT.