Amy Olson’s qualification for the Women’s U.S. Open was a special moment in more ways than one. The golfer and her husband revealed they are expecting their first child in September, two months after the major in July at Pebble Beach. Olson will be seven months pregnant at the U.S. Open.
“I wanted a shot at it because it’s Pebble,” Olson told the Minnesota Golf Association. “That was a big motivation, and it’ll be my last tournament before the baby comes, so it’s a good way to go out.”
The Oxbow, North Dakota native, began playing golf when she was two. She says her father introduced her to the game, and her brother inspired her to compete. Olson led her college team all four years before qualifying for the LPGA in 2013.
Olson earned her spot at the major by shooting a bogey-free second-round 66 to earn a two-stroke victory at six-under 138 at the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) 36-hole qualifier at Somerset Country Club in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
In the afternoon session on Monday, the American golfer shot three birdies on both the front and back nines finishing ahead of Bailey Tardy.
The 30-year-old has won a record 20 NCAA tournaments and has fond memories of the U.S. Open.
“I’ve always loved the U.S. Open. They always set up the course very fair, but hard. It’s usually not quirky – hit it straight, hit it long, and two-putt a lot greens. That’s generally favored my style of game,” she said.
Olson said she’s already making her requests for the major later this year, sharing a screenshot of a text message on Twitter to the USGA in which she asks for “PB&Js w/ peanut butter on both sides.”
The first round of the U.S. Open begins Thursday, July 6, and runs through Sunday, July 9.
