ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Virginia Tech women's golfer Emily Mahar prevailed in a three-way playoff Tuesday evening at Belle Haven Country Club to punch her ticket to the 76th U.S. Women's Open. The championship will be played June 3-6 at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California.
The Brisbane, Australia, native fired a 4-over 148 (72-76) to force a playoff with Harang Lee of Spain and Virginia junior Riley Smyth. Mahar secured her invitation by winning the second playoff hole – the par-4 18th.
Mahar joins former teammate Amanda Hollandsworth as the only two Hokies to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open in program history. Hollandsworth advanced to the 2019 championship at the Country Club of Charleston after she was the medalist at a sectional qualifier in Springfield, Virginia.
Three spots were up for grabs at the Belle Haven qualifier. Aneka Seumanutafa of Emmitsburg, Maryland, topped the field at even-par 144 (73-71). Sarah Kemp, also from Australia, finished one stroke back at 1-over 145 (73-72).
Tech's Alyssa Montgomery (151), Becca DiNunzio (151), Keerattriya Foocharoen (152) and Jessica Spicer (154) also competed in the qualifier.
It's shaping up to be an exciting two days for the Hokies. Following Mahar's breakthrough performance this evening, Tech will be eagerly watching the Golf Channel, Wednesday at 2 p.m., when the regional field is announced for the 2021 NCAA Women's Golf Championship. The Hokies are set to make their third appearance in program history (2018, 2019).
