Pamela Pretswell qualifies for US Women's Open

Pamela Pretswell has secured her US Women's Open debut in California later this year after claiming the last of five spots up for grabs in a European qualifier at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club.

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With rounds of 70 and 71 for a three-under-par total, the 27-year-old joined French duo Jade Schaeffer and Valentine Derrey, Swede Camilla Lennarth and German rookie Olivia Cowan in booking a trip to CordeValle on July 7-10.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” admitted Pretswell, who was the top Scot on the Ladies European Tour last season, finishing a career-best 14th on the money-list.

“This is my first time playing in US Women’s Open qualifying and I’m looking forward to playing in California.

“I’ve played in two British Opens, but to go over to America will be amazing and a good experience.”

Pretswell, who played in a winning GB&I Curtis Cup team at Nairn in 2012, was sitting joint-second after her opening effort, which was matched by fellow Scot Kelsey Macdonald.

While Macdonald slipped out of the reckoning with an afternoon 78, a solid second round ensured her compatriot wasn’t going to be denied that trip to San Martin, which lies to the south of San Jose.

“I just tried to stay patient, something I’m not always good at, all day and make as many birdies as I could,” added Pretswell, who is coached by Kings Acre-based Alan Murdoch, .

“It’s been coming for a while, so it’s nice. It’s massive and I’m looking forward to next month and hopefully I can continue playing good golf.

“I haven’t been well since I came home from China and I almost didn’t travel down as I’m still not 100 per cent, so I’m even more delighted to have qualified when not fully fit.

“I haven’t had the best results so far this year, but today was definitely a step in the right direction and the best golf I have played since I had to pull out in New Zealand due to an injury earlier in the year.

“My golf in New Zealand was by far the best I have played, so it is good to get back towards that again.”

Carly Booth, with rounds of 71 and 72, finished joint-eighth, missing out on one of two alternate spots by a shot.

Kylie Walker (71-74) was joint-11th while Vikki Laing, having also opened with a 71, ended up in a share of 18th following a second-round 76.

Michele Thomson, Gemma Dryburgh, Laura Murray, Heather MacRae and Iona Stephen also missed out.