NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN DRIVES OVERNIGHT AFTER QUALIFYING FOR OPEN

Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Copenhagen, Denmark) is running on adrenaline at this point. She won the Fuccillo Kia Classic of NY on Sunday, which came with a brand new Kia Forte LX, and then drove to Boston for her U.S. Open qualifier on Monday. The qualifier was postponed on Tuesday due to rain so she qualified on Wednesday and then drove from 7:00 p.m. at night to 8:00 a.m. in the morning to arrive in South Bend on Thursday. Fortunately, her boyfriend, Nicki Hansen, is with her this week and helped make the overnight drive.

Koerstz Madsen posted a 3-under total to earn medalist honors to compete in her first U.S. Women’s Open.

“It has definitely been busy, first the win in Albany, then straight to Boston and a practice round on Monday,” explained Koerstz Madsen. “I drove 13 hours to get here.”

Koerstz Madsen was only able to walk the course this morning to get a feel for it.

“Well see what happens tomorrow, I don’t have high expectations,” said a very tired Koerstz Madsen. “I’m a bit tired right now, but we will see tomorrow. There are still a lot of tournaments left this year so it is OK if I don’t do well this week.”

Koerstz Madsen can afford to have that attitude because she has won twice this year and ranks first on the Volvik Race for the Card money list by over $13,000.

“I’ve been practicing well and taking the breaks I’ve needed and just doing the right thing,” said Koerstz Madsen about her success. “I feel like I’ve done a good job of making smart decisions this year. The mental part of my game has been better this year.”

Koerstz Madsen hit some balls on the range in the early afternoon, then went to get lunch and returned to practice chipping before leaving around 3:30 p.m.

Koerstz Madsen’s boyfriend is a teaching professional now and was at one point playing on the qualifying Tours for the European Tour.

“He knows what it is all about so he is giving me a lot of advice,” said Koerstz Madsen. “He has a lot of respect for what I am doing because he tried the professional route, but he also thinks I can do it and be one of the best.”

One of the local reporters asked her if she had anything left in the tank. She responded quickly.

“Yeah, I do,” said Koerstz Madsen. “I’m excited for this week.”

EMILY CHILDS QUALIFIES FOR 2ND U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN

Emily Childs (Alameda, Calif.) took advantage of a U.S. Women’s Open qualifier on her home course, Lake Merced Golf Club, to secure her spot in the biggest event in women’s golf on Monday. Childs will play in her second U.S. Women’s Open. In the meantime, she will play in her second Four Winds Invitational.

Childs shot even-par over 36 holes to earn the spot. She played her final 11 holes in 4-under to close strong.

Childs last qualified for the Open when it was played at Sebonack in 2013, her first year as a professional.

“The course was really tough and super long and I think I was a little overwhelmed,” admitted Childs. “I think I got eaten alive a little bit because I had just turned professional and I didn’t know what to expect and then you’re playing with girls you watched on TV for so long.”

There were a few fun moments where she felt like a celebrity. Some fans mistaked her for Stacy Lewis when asking for autographs.

This time around will be a lot different.

“I’m five years into it now and I’m a little more prepared and wise,” said Childs, while walking to the driving range at Blackthorn. “I want to compete and play well. Last time was just an experience and now I’ve played in a few LPGA events and I’m working towards getting to the LPGA so I know what to expect. I’m not going not to win.”

Childs joked that the winner’s payout would buy her part of a house in the greater San Francisco area.

OF NOTE

• Two 2016-17 USC Trojans - Gabriella Then and Victoria Morgan - will make their Tour debuts this week. Morgan, who turned professional on Thursday, was an Honorable Mention All-American by the WGCA. Then and Morgan both competed at the NCAA Championships in May.

Koerstz Madsen and Childs Qualify for Open and More from South Bend

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