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Carson, Ammaccapane and Parker Advance to U.S. Senior Women’s Open

A 78 each in qualifying at Longbow Golf Club on Thursday earned Charlene Carson, Dina Ammaccapane and Kristal Parker a spot in the 2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open field. A field of 120 competitors will compete for the USGA title at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Conn., from July 29-Aug. 1.

Carson, 54, of Mesa, Ariz., will be playing in her first U.S. Senior Women’s Open after posting 6-over-par. The LPGA teaching professional at Springfield Golf Resort in Chandler, Ariz., turned in a four-over-par 40 on the front nine.

“The first three holes, the nerves were incredible. My adrenaline was higher than it should have been, it was fun,” Carson said.

She finished the back nine with a two-over-par 38 to clinch a qualifying spot by one stroke.

“I am so excited, I don’t think it’s sunk in,” Carson said. “This is a thrill. I came with a positive attitude, feeling I could do well but no expectations.”

Ammaccapane, 53, of Phoenix, Ariz., earned a spot in the championship field after her 6-over-par 78. This will be her second Senior Women’s Open appearance, after qualifying in 2019.

Parker, 63, of Phoenix, Ariz., started strong, going out in even-par 36, good for the lowest 9-hole score of the qualifier. The sizzling heat combined with sweltering humidity wore down the retired LPGA Tour regular player on the back nine, but her +6 finish proved enough to co-medal. This marks her first time qualifying for the championship. Since retiring from the Tour in 2006, she has taken on a new challenge, becoming the head coach at Arizona Christian University.

“I’m excited,” Parker said. “For me it was physically hard, I was losing it on the back nine. The heat definitely got to me.”

Kim Eaton and Robin Krapfl will serve as first and second alternates after they each posted a+7 (79).

The U.S. Senior Women’s Open is one of 14 championships conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA). With the cancellation of last year’s championship, 2021 marks the third year of play since its inception in 2018.