Áine Donegan qualifies for US Women’s Open for second year in a row

Áine Donegan has qualified for her second US Women’s Open in a row after winning a qualifier in Texas with rounds of 68 and 67.

The Lahinch golfer finished nine-under-par at Rockwall G & in the weather-delayed event to finish one shot ahead of Huai-Chien Hsu, who also qualified, and two ahead of Savannah Barber, who just missed out.

The US Women’s Open will take place at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania from May 30th to June 2nd, where Ireland’s Leona Maguire will also be taking part. The US Women’s Open is the oldest of the five majors in the women’s game and features a $12 million prize fund, the biggest in women’s golf. The 22-year-old though is still an amateur and a student at Louisiana State University, where she has been successful on the collegiate scene.

Donegan made headlines for a three-under-par opening round 69 at Pebble Beach last year in the major, her first start in a professional tournament, which included holing a 96-yard approach for eagle on the 15th hole. Donegan finished the day only one shot off the lead. She eventually finished tied 45th.

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