June 16, 2009

LUBBOCK, Texas - Former Texas Tech women's golfer Tracy Stanford has qualified to play in the 2009 U.S. Women's Open at the Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa., after qualifying at the Miramont Country Club on Monday afternoon.

Stanford shot a 79 and 80 during the 36-hole sectional and tied with four others for the final two qualifying spots. It took the Midland native two playoff holes to earn her spot. She parred the first hole and then birdied the second to add her name to the list.

"I came into the tournament hoping to play well, I didn't know what number to shoot," Stanford said. "The course was hard and I just tired to play the best I could."

During her career at Tech, Stanford played in 12 tournaments and had a career average of 77.9. She carded two top five finishes, one top 10 and three top 20 finishes.

"I still can't believe it, I went to look at the United States Golf Associate web page to make sure my name was on it, " she said. " My ultimate goal was to get in but I can't believe it is happening.

The U.S. Women's Open will be played at the Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa., starting with practice rounds on July 6.