DUXBURY, Massachusetts – Despite overcast skies and chilly temperatures, a strong field of U.S. Women’s Open Qualifying hopefuls produced plenty of red numbers over a 36-hole day at The Duxbury Yacht Club. With just three spots available in the field at Pebble Beach Golf Club, top professionals and amateurs from around the world teed it up.
Perrine Delacour took home medalist honors with rounds of 67-68, good for a -9 under total.
Hailing from Laon, France, Delacour is a member of the LPGA Tour and has one previous appearance at the U.S. Women’s Open (T-40 in 2020). Delacuor turned pro in 2013. She most recently competed in the Mizuho America’s Open, tying for 43rd, and the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play, placing 9th. One major career highlight includes representing France in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“I’m really happy, first time I made it through a qualifier, and the way I made it, it was pretty solid,” said Delacuor. “Going to Pebble Beach is a dream come true.”
Her first round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-4 6th hole: “I was going to hit my driver no matter what. I thought I pulled it and the group in front of us said it was on the green eight feet away from the hole.”
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Daniela Darquea shot the low afternoon round of 67 to claim her place at Pebble. Darquea, of Ecuador, plays on the LPGA Tour. She began her pro career in 2017 and has a total of 5 career top-10s under her belt. She competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as well and tied for 38th place.
“I knew it was going to be windy in the morning, so I stayed patient,” Darquea said, “I tried my best effort on the par fives, I knew I could reach most of them, that was important.” She hopes to be able to pull off another 8-under-par at Pebble Beach as well.
On the heels of finishing her senior season at the University of Georgia, Céleste Dao took third place and low amateur honors, after firing rounds of 68 and 70. Dao tallied 9 birdies over the course of her two rounds. The Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Quebec, native has made it through qualifying in Massachusetts twice before, taking medalist honors at Cape Cod National in 2018 and earning a spot at TPC Boston in 2019, before missing the cut in each of her U.S. Women’s Open appearances.
Dao’s thoughts throughout the day were to “hang on and have fun.” This is her third time heading to a US Women’s Open. “I’m really excited, third time’s a charm hopefully.”
Keep an eye out for these names at Pebble Beach when the 2023 US Women’s Open starts up in July.
QUALIFIER (Names; Cities)
Perrine Delacour (France); (-9) 67-68-135
Daniela Darquea (Ecuador); (-8) 69-67-136
Celeste Dao (a) (Canada); (-6) 68-70-138
ALTERNATES
Luna Sobron Galmes (Spain) (-4) 70-70-140
Isi Gabsa (Germany) (-4) 69-71-140
-Competitor and Yale Golfer Mia Sessa is the daughter of Tony Sessa, the PGA Professional at Augusta National
-Molly Smith had the lowest finish of any Bay Stater, posting -3, just a day after she became the first woman to qualify for the 2023 Massachusetts Amateur Championship
-Representatives from 11 different countries were in the field, including several Olympians
When: July 6th – 9th, 2023
Where: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, CA
Defending Champion: Minjee Lee
As implied in its name, Duxbury Yacht Club was founded in 1875 as a home for sailing. About a century ago it was the second-largest yachting center in the state. Located on Duxbury Bay on the north shore of Plymouth Harbor, the club has since expanded into many sports, including golf and tennis. When they weren’t sailing, golf became a popular activity for club members, and six makeshift holes were laid out in 1901 on what was known as Parker’s Pasture.
More land was purchased in 1926 and with the help of architect Wayne Stiles, the course had nine excellent holes. It was renovated in 1951 under the guidance of William Mitchell, and in 1969 the club hired Geoffrey Cornish to design an additional nine holes.
Records from the club’s rich history in golf and tennis hang in the rustic Sprague-Parker barn, which dates back to the 18th century and serves as the clubhouse. With nautical flags hanging above, there’s a fireplace with the year 1875 inscribed and a horseshoe that was unearthed during a renovation project in 1998 and remains hanging for good luck.
The club has a familiar-friendly moniker and it has always prioritized athletic, activity-sport-like competition over social activities. It has even been referred to as “The Best Day Camp In The World.”
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