Neal to Play in U.S. Public Links Championship
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Texas A&M women's golfer Alex Neal earned a spot to play in the 2012 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship held June 18-23 at the Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Neshanic Station, N.J.
From Baird, Texas, Neal shot a 76 in the qualifier at Waterchase Golf Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Her score placed her seventh and made her the first alternate for the championship, but it was soon thereafter she received a phone call.
"When I got to the scoring tent the USGA official told me that our group had the lowest scores in so far, so I knew I had a chance to qualify," Neal said. "My sister Kyla (Aggie golfer 2003-05) was my caddy, and we waited around for about an hour to see if I qualified. In the end, I was the first alternate, but I got the call Wednesday morning and they asked if I was able to play and I accepted!"
The 36th U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship is one of 13 championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs. The Meadow and Lake Nines of the Neshanic Valley Golf Course are expected to provide a stern test for 156 of the best female public-course golfers. The course for the championship will measure 6,195 yards to a par of 72.
USA Curtis Cup Team members Tiffany Lua, Lisa McCloskey (2010 WAPL runner-up) and Emily Tubert (2010 WAPL champion) are other notable players that have entered and who will look to add their names to the illustrious list of champions that includes Yani Tseng (currently No. 1 player in the world), Michelle Wie, Pearl Sinn and Tiffany Joh.
Neal was a four-time all-state golfer at Baird High School. She led her team to three state championships and placed first in the state tournament as a senior.
Neal redshirted for the Aggies in 2011-12.
