USF Athletics

Three Former USF Standouts to Compete in U.S. Senior Women's Open

July 11, 2018

EVENT: U.S. Senior Women's Open
WHEN: Thursday – Sunday
WHERE: Chicago Golf Club, Wheaton, Ill.
TV: FS1, Saturday and Sunday from 3-5 p.m.
LIVE SCORING


By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, JULY 11, 2018 – USF women's golf will be well-represented at the inaugural U.S. Senior Women's Open with three former standouts teeing off this week.
 

Marlene Davis qualified for the event last month and she'll be joined by former teammates Laurel Kean and Patricia Ehrhart from USF's mid to late 1980s squads. Play begins Thursday and continues through Sunday at Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Ill.

"When I saw the list, I was pleasantly surprised. It will be a nice, little reunion for us to get together," Davis said. "I haven't seen these girls in a long time. It will be nice to catch up a little with them as well."

Aside from reuniting with her former teammates, Davis plans to give it her all on the par-73 course after qualifying in dramatic fashion. Davis clinched the fourth qualifying position by winning a sudden-death playoff at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio on June 18.

"Getting into something like this, you really have to have a little luck and a little skill," Davis said. "It's an open event, so anybody gets to try."

Sweet success at qualifying allowed Davis to put another solid achievement into her already impressive golf resume. The Williamsville, N.Y., resident won two Division I tournaments during her USF career (1984-88) before competing in the U.S.  Women's Open twice (1988-89) and making an appearance at the LPGA Championship (1988).

An LPGA professional for nearly 30 years, Davis also plans to compete in the Senior LPGA Championship in October, which adds to her super busy schedule that's dedicated to the game. Davis is currently the lead instructor at the Paddock Chevrolet Dome and Brighton Park Driving Range in Tonawanda, N.Y., where she also volunteers to teach junior golfers. Learn more about Davis' golf career HERE.

Once Davis gets back to New York, she'll have some special stories to tell her golf pupils about competing in this week's historic event. Davis will tee off in a field of 120 players while she soaks up the experience of taking part in a shining moment for senior women's golf.

"I know there are some real seasoned veterans here, but we're all in the same boat. Everybody just has to hit their ball and do the best they can," the 1989 USF graduate said. "I've got nothing to lose. It's just a great opportunity and it's very exciting for me."

No matter where they finish, USF head coach Erika Brennan said having three Bulls in this week's event is a proud moment for the program.

"What an amazing opportunity for three teammates to reunite and compete for their national championship together. I am elated that Miss Davis, Miss Kean and Miss Ehrhart will represent University of South Florida golf on such a big stage, and I know that they will continue to make us all proud," Brennan said. "I'm looking forward to following along with them and all of our current players are excited to lend their support as well to these incredible alumni. I hope that they relish in the moment and magnitude of this opportunity, and we're already excited to connect with them after the event."   


Did You Know?

• Patricia Ehrhart, who played for USF from 1984-86, is close friends with famous musician Jimmy Buffett, who served as Ehrhart's caddie during the U.S. Senior Women's Open practice round on Monday.
• Laurel Kean is currently a club professional at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Club in Naples, Fla., who won nine titles on the Symetra Tour in 1987. Kean also played on the LPGA Tour after becoming an All-American at USF in 1986.

 
About USF Women's Golf
Eighth-year head coach Erika Brennan recently completed her first spring season with USF after two seasons of leading the Southern Mississippi women's golf program. Juniors Natalia Villavicencio and Maria "Nani" Merchan highlighted the 2017-18 season, combining to post four top-10 performances and 11 top-25 finishes, including eight in the spring.

For the latest information on USF women's golf, follow the team on Twitter @USFWGolf and Facebook.