Dominique Gagnon Qualifies For U.S. Women's Open

May 15, 2001

West Palm Beach, FL – University of Miami sophomore Dominique Gagnon (La Romana, Dominican Republic) fired a round of 72 then defeated Kathleen Robinson and Maria Olivero on the third playoff hole to qualify for the 2001 U.S. Women’s Open, May 31-June 3, at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C.

Gagnon is one of 88 players to qualify through sectional competition, which took place at 11 locations around the country. Sectional qualifying in Florida was held at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla. The USGA accepted a record 980 entries for this year’s US Open.

Gagnon was the Hurricanes’ top finisher in four events this season and ranked second on the team with a 78.0 stroke average. Her top finish came at the Ryder/Florida Women’s Collegiate Golf Championships where she finished tenth.

Gagnon will be one of two Hurricanes competing in the 150-player field. Joining Gagnon will be former UM great Penny Hammel who is one of 62 exempt entries into the championship.

Hammel, the 1983 NCAA National Champion and 1985 LPGA Rookie of the Year, currently ranks 26th on the 2001 LPGA Money List. The top-35 players on the LPGA money list receive automatic bids into the US Open.

Also competing at the sectional qualifier in West Palm Beach was former Hurricane Kim Augusta. Augusta, a 1992 All-American, shot a round of 73 and is an alternate for this year’s U.S. Open.