UGA freshman Bailey Tardy qualified for a spot in the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open by winning the 36 hole qualifier at Butler Country Club in Butler, PA on Monday.
 
 
Tardy said of her achievement:
 
 

I’m extremely excited to see all my hard work pay off…the eight a.m. tee times and putting in the dark really help. I made a lot more putts this afternoon. I started playing like I was just getting used to the conditions for NCAAs, and it seemed to take my mind off of trying to qualify. I shot 32 on my first nine in the afternoon. I knew that if I stuck with what I was doing on the front nine then the back should be a breeze.
 
I’m grateful for this opportunity to play in my second U.S. Open. Two years ago in 2014 was a whirlwind of a learning experience, and I grew a lot as a golfer at Pinehurst. I just can’t wait to go to out to California and live out my dream.

 
 
Bailey Tardy and her UGA teammates will begin their pursuit of a national championship on Friday in Oregon at the Eugene Country Club.