Arseneault qualifies for U.S. Women's Open
Rising sophomore wins sectional qualifier in Michigan to become first Virginia golfer to go to U.S. Open
Megan McDonald, Cavalier Daily Associate Editor

Virginia golfer Jennie Arseneault has a talent for accomplishing things ahead of schedule: last winter she graduated high school a semester early in order to join Virginia's golf team for the spring season and two weeks ago, at the ripe old age of 18, she qualified to play in the upcoming U.S. Women's Open next week.

Three other members of the Virginia golf team also played in the qualifying rounds but ultimately did not make the cut. Indeed, Arseneault will be the first woman golfer that Virginia has ever sent to the prestigious U.S. Open.

"I have dreamed of playing in this tournament since I was so young," Arseneault said. "I kept telling myself that I can play in this tournament for the rest of my life but it just feels so great to qualify while I'm still just 18."

Of the 155 spots in the Open, 71 players were exempt from the qualifying rounds. Of the 84 remaining spots, 64 went to professional golfers while only 18 were claimed by amateurs. Arseneault earned her spot when, out of a field of 85, she finished as the first place co-medalist for the sectional qualifier in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

"The whole time while I was playing I tried my best to stay in the present and not think about the Open," Arseneault said. "But, as soon as that last putt dropped, I knew I had made it. First I got really excited, and then I was just like, 'Oh my gosh, what did I just do?'"

To prepare for the Open, Arseneault spent last week in Hilton Head working with her swing coach, Hugh Royer. Royer, who played on the PGA tour for nearly 15 years, has been working with Arseneault since she was 15.

"It was really calming for me to just go down there and relax and work on my game," Arseneault said. "[Royer] is coming up to Rhode Island to caddie for me, and I think that will really help me a lot."