Four Blue Devils begin well at U.S. Women's Open

EDINA, Minn. — In what could be considered the Duke Open, four former, current and future Blue Devils were among those in contention following the opening round of the U.S. Women’s Open at Interlachen Country Club.

Brittany Lang, who is a 2005 graduate, leads all Blue Devils with a 2-under-par 71, and is tied for 12th. Incoming freshman Mina Harigae and senior Amanda Blumenherst are tied for 21st at 1-under 72, while senior Jennie Lee is tied for 48th with a 1-over 74.

UCLA sophomore Jose Maria Uribe, who defeated Blumenherst in the U.S. Women’s Amateur championship final in August, was the low amateur in the opening round, posting a 4-under 69, two shots back of co-leaders Pat Hurst and Ji Young Oh.

Other Blue Devils in the event are 2007 graduate Anna Grzebien, who is tied for 77th with a 76; 2002 graduate Candy Hannemann, who is tied for 110th with a 78; and 2004 graduate Virada Nirapathpongporn, who is tied for 146th with an 81.

Former North Carolina players Marcy Hart and Meaghan Francella shot 78 and 79, respectively, while N.C. State senior Lauren Doughtie also shot 78.

The seven golfers competing in this year’s open is the second-most ever for Duke. In 2006, a total of eight Blue Devils competed.

Since 1999, Duke has registered five low amateurs in the U.S. Women's Open — Jenny Chuasiriporn (1999), Hannemann (2001), Lang (2005), Blumenherst (2006) and Lee (2007).

Contact Stuart Hall at golf@wral.com.