Lewis Mahon try their hand at U.S. Women's Open qualifier

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas women’s golfers Courtney Mahon and Stacy Lewis are taking advantage of their "break" before the NCAA Championship to attempt and qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open Tuesday. The duo travel to St. Louis, Mo., for a U.S. Women’s Open Local Qualifier at the St. Louis Country Club. It is the first of several local qualifiers. Once athletes move through the local qualifier, they move on to a sectional qualifier before earning a trip to the U.S. Women’s Open. Arkansas senior Amanda McCurdy is exempt from the local qualifier after placing tied for 38th at last year’s U.S. Women’s Open. "This is a great experience for our players," said Arkansas head coach Kelley Hester. "They can go out and test their skills in a different set of circumstances and see what happens." Lewis currently leads the Lady Razorbacks with a 74.43 stroke average. The Woodlands, Texas, native was Arkansas’ top finisher at last week’s NCAA West Regional Championship helping the Lady’Backs to their second consecutive NCAA Championship appearance next week. Mahon, a senior from Topeka, Kan., has also had a solid fall. She currently ranks third on the team with a 76.03 stroke average and has, like Lewis, competed in each of Arkansas’ 10 events this year. The 10th-ranked Lady Razorbacks are making the program’s second-ever appearance at the NCAA Championship hosted by The Ohio State May 23-26, in Columbus, Ohio. For more information about Arkansas golf, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.