June 11, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. - University of Kansas golfer Emily Powers has qualified for the U.S. Women's Open.  Powers, a Quincy, Ill. junior, will participate in the tournament as an amateur.  The tournament takes place at the Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn. June 26-29

Powers qualified in a sectional tournament at Knollwood Country Club in West Bloomfield, Mich.  Kansas head coach Erin O'Neil said the opportunity will be good for Powers and the Jayhawk golf program as a whole. 

"I am very excited for Emily and it will be an incredible experience for her to see that level of golf because I know she has aspirations to play at that level," O'Neil said.  "I think it will have an impact on the team because they can see what she is doing and it will give everyone a confidence boost." 

Powers was a standout for KU in the 2008 season.  As a sophomore, she led the team in scoring average at 75.53.  She was KU's top finisher in eight of 11 tournaments, as well as an All-Big 12 selection.  She also posted five top-10 and eight top-15 finishes during the regular season and tied for 29^th individually at the Big 12 Championship.  Powers said she hopes her U.S. Women's Open experience will help the team too.

"Obviously I'm very excited for the opportunity, but I'm also excited to share it with my team," Powers said.  "Hopefully it will help both me and the team next year.  I'm just extremely honored to have the chance to play at this level."

The U.S. Women's Open will showcase 156 of the best women's golfers in the world.  As one of only 26 amateurs, Powers will tee off with the likes of Annika Sorenstam, Michelle Wie, Lorena Ochoa and last year's champion, Cristie Kerr.  Practice rounds will be Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with the championship round beginning Thursday, June 26.