McCurdy battles the weather on the eve of the U.S. Women's Open

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas golfer Amanda McCurdy makes her second U.S. Women’s Open appearance Thursday at Newport Country Club in Newport, R.I., weather permitting. McCurdy, who finished her eligibility with the Lady Razorbacks this May, tees it up with Rosie Jones of Atlanta, Ga., and Jennifer Rosales of the Philippines at 1:36 Eastern, 12:36 Central, on the par 71, 6,616-yard course. She will be fighting to be in the top 60 or within 10 strokes of the leader after the first 36 holes to continue play on Saturday and Sunday. The El Dorado, Ark., native was a three-time all-Southeastern Conference selection and a National Golf Coaches Association All-American for the Lady Razorbacks. She was exempt from the local qualifier this year after finishing tied for 38th in her first-ever U.S. Women’s Open appearance last year. McCurdy still had to fight her way in however, firing a 74-73 at the TPC at Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, in mid-June to qualify at the Sectional. The weather may be one of McCurdy and the rest of the field’s biggest concerns. Four inches of new rain fell overnight teaming with more than 13 inches in the past week making conditions difficult at best. The course, which lies below sea-level, has had more than "three million gallons of water taken off the low-lying holes" according to tournament officials. McCurdy is joined this week by Arkansas head coach Kelley Hester who is caddying for her. Hester, who played in her own U.S. Women’s Open nearly 10 years ago, has been enjoying the experience as well. "I’ve seen so many players and people associated with the game that it feels like old home week," said Hester. "It’s exciting. It’s a very different kind of buzz around the course." McCurdy’s second round is slated for a morning tee time Friday from the first hole. For more information about McCurdy and the Lady Razorback golf team log on to LADYBACKS.COM.