Smith Qualifies for U.S. Women's Amateur

Nebraska women's golfer Kate Smith has earned a spot among a distinguished group of competitors at the 120th U.S. Women's Amateur. Smith received her official invitation from the USGA on Thursday, July 9, to play in the prestigious national event at the Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md., Aug. 3-9. 

The senior from Detroit Lakes, Minn., earned her spot in the field with her No. 127 position in the current World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). The U.S. Women's Amateur is typically played with 156 golfers, but the field was limited to just 132 this year because of COVID-19 restrictions. Unlike previous years, the USGA also made the decision to forgo qualifying for the championship and rely on expanded use of the WAGR.

Regardless of the changes in procedures and upcoming protocols for the tournament, Smith said she was thrilled about the opportunity to play in a major national event this summer.

"This means so much to me. I've always dreamed of playing in the U.S. Amateur, but the qualifiers have kind of gotten the best of me in the past," Smith said. "As a golfer, you always want to play with the best competition, and I will definitely have that opportunity in Maryland in August. After our season was cut short, any chance to play golf is welcomed. A U.S. Amateur seems like a gift right now, and I can't wait to play in such a distinguished event."

Nebraska Head Coach Lisa Johnson said Smith earned her position in the tournament and hopes she can make the most of a great opportunity.

"Kate is a great representative of Nebraska women's golf, and we are really proud of her achievement in being invited to the U.S. Women's Amateur," Johnson said. "We know Kate will represent herself, her family and Nebraska with great pride, and we are looking forward to seeing her compete against some of the best amateurs in the world."

The winner of the Big Ten Conference Mary Fossum Award in 2020 for owning the best stroke average relative to par, Smith was a first-team All-Big Ten choice in 2020. The Nebraska record holder with a career stroke average of 73.45 over 104 rounds, Smith shattered her own school record with a 72.18 stroke average during the 2020 season. The three-time academic All-Big Ten choice was also a WGCA Scholastic All-American and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2020 as a graphic design major.

Due to the college golf season ending abruptly because of the coronavirus outbreak, Smith has received an additional season of eligibility from the NCAA and expects to return to Nebraska this fall to compete in her fifth season on the course for the Huskers.

For more information on the 120th U.S. Women's Amateur, visit: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/championships/2020/u-s--women-s-amateur.html#!latest