Four Earn Their Way to Riviera for 81st U.S. Women’s Open
WEST ORANGE, N.J. — The road to the 81st U.S. Women’s Open Championship ran through Essex County Country Club on Monday, where a field of professionals and amateurs battled through 36 holes for a coveted place in one of golf’s biggest championships.
The historic layout, known for its rolling terrain, elevated greens, and demanding green complexes, proved to be a stern test throughout the day. By sunset, only four players secured qualifying spots into the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club, while two others claimed alternate positions.
Under cool spring skies in northern New Jersey, the qualifier quickly turned into a test of endurance and patience. With no cut, no reset, and little time to regroup between rounds, momentum became everything over the marathon day.
Dewi Weber of Los Angeles, California earned medalist honors after rounds of 67 and 69 for a 6-under-par total of 136. Weber opened the day with a 4-under-par 67 before backing it up with a steady 2-under-par 69 in the afternoon round to separate herself from the field. Weber carded 10 birdies en route to Riviera.
Just behind Weber at 4-under-par 138 were Minji Kang of Johns Creek, Georgia and Nataliya Guseva of Vero Beach, Florida. Both players closed with impressive second rounds of 67 after opening with matching 71s in the morning session.
As the afternoon round unfolded, the race for the four qualifying spots tightened. Players shuffled up and down the leaderboard, with every birdie carrying significance and every mistake magnified over the final stretch.
The drama intensified late in the afternoon as four players: Erika Hara, Rose Zhang, Gina Kim, and Laney Frye — finished tied for the final qualifying spot, forcing a sudden-death playoff for the last spot into the championship. Gina Kim ultimately emerged from the four-way playoff to secure the final qualifying place at Riviera Country Club. Rose Zhang and Laney Frye received the alternate spots.
Qualifiers
Dewi Weber, California (-6)
Minji Kang, Georgia (-4)
Nataliya Guseva (-4)
Gina Kim (-2)
Alternates
Rose Zhang (First Alternate)
Laney Frye (Second Alternate)
The 81st U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be contested June 4-7 at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.
NJ Golf Social Media
For the latest updates and news, visit njgolf.org or follow New Jersey Golf on Facebook, X and Instagram at @njgolf1900.
