Far Hills, N.J. – The United States Golf Assn. accepted a record 1,097 entries for the 2004 U.S. Women’s Open scheduled July 1-4 at the Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley, Mass. Of the 1,097 entries received, 631 were submitted online.
This is the first time in the championship’s history that the number of entries has surpassed 1,000. The previous record of 980 entries received was set in 2001.
Fifty-one golfers, including nine past champions, are exempt from having to qualify for the upcoming championship. That number could increase should anyone not exempt win one of the LPGA official events before the Women’s Open begins, as well as anyone who moves into the top 35 on the LPGA money list by May 26.
Entry forms were received from players representing 44 states and 39 foreign countries: American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Venezuela, Wales and Zimbabwe.
Local qualifying at 16 sites begins May 17. Sectional qualifying, to be held at nine sites, will be held June 14-20.
The Women’s Open is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the USGA. Other championships include the U.S. Open, the U.S. Senior Open, and 10 amateur competitions.