Doey, Gabi prosecute American form

Doey Choi finished strong today in Mississippi.

A mixed opening day for Australian women has left the path open for some and a rocky road for others at the US Women's Amateur.

Doey Choi of Sydney and Gabi Ruffels in Melbourne, the finalists of the recent North and South Amateur, continue their good form at the Old Waverly Golf Club in Mississippi.

Choi closed today with three birdies in her last four holes to score a one-under-par 71 to share the 11th after the first day of the qualifier.

Ruffels took the opposite route, closed two bogeys but still signed for a 72 who left her in a 22nd share with the top 64 to continue to matchplay after the second round of tomorrow.

Close to the "bubble" is Steph Kyriacou from Sydney, who fought back well to put down the front (her second) nine to end up three over and a 65th share.

A shot further back is Gold Coaster Becky Kay, whose round looked promising to a double bogey on the short third hole, her 12th, was the catalyst of a series of bogeys en route to a 76 and a share of 86th.

The American college-based couple Amelia Grohn, from Coffs Harbor, and Jess Whitting, from Perth, fired rounds of 79 that left them on T123 and with work ahead.

The same goes for Victorian Sue Wooster, who made four bogeys on each side of the track to get an 80 for a share of 128th.

Meanwhile, the USGA announced today that the winners of both US Women & Amateur's and US Amateur's will have the right to take their exemptions for the US Women Open and US Open of the following year as amateurs or professionals.

Previously, that place was only available to players who remained amateur.

"We believe that this change gives our champions an important option when they choose if and when they start their professional career," said John Bodenhamer of the USGA.

“Given the important purses that have been awarded at the US Open and US Women & # 39; s Open, we realize how important it is for players to make the most suitable decision for their career, and the positive impact that this can have at the start of their professional career. "

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