Shean concludes Open experience

OAKMONT, Pa. — University of Arkansas senior-to-be Kelli Shean concluded her inaugural U.S. Women’s Open experience Sunday carding a final round 80 at Oakmont, Pa.

Shean finished tied for 65th overall with a four-round 312 (70-79-83-80). The Cape Town, South Africa, native opened play stunning the field and grabbing an early lead with a first-day one-under 70. She came off the golf course in the top spot but slipped to a tie for second after the first day of play.

Shean’s ensuing rounds were less then kind but the Razorback had already established herself on the national and international levels with her opening day score.

“I was really impressed by and proud of Kelli this week,” Arkansas head coach Shauna Estes-Taylor said. “She was so composed and confident when she was on top of the leaderboard. But she was equally as composed when the rounds got tougher and she showed a lot of heart throughout the week.”

Shean’s week saw her play the course 28-over for four rounds. She averaged a 247.0 yard drive, hit 31 of 56 fairways and 36 of 72 greens in regulation. She averaged 1.85 putts-per-hole and had five birdies and 40 pars.

Shean was not the only Razorback to take part in the U.S. Women’s Open. Former four-time All-American Stacy Lewis, in her second year on the LPGA Tour, finished tied for 14th overall shooting 292. Lucy Nunn qualified and competed but did not make the cut.