Scottish duo qualify for US Women's Open

Helped by a hole-in-one, Kelsey MacDonald secured a spot in next month's US Women's Open and was joined in passing a qualifying test for the event at Bedminster in New Jersey by Carly Booth.

Kelsey MacDonald came through a play-off at the Buckinghamshire. Picture: Neil Hanna

The Scottish duo joined Swede Caroline Hedwall and England’s Meghan MacLaren in earning the berths up for grabs in a 36-hole shoot-out at the Buckinghamshire, where MacDonald had double cause for celebration after making her ace at the 153-yard 14th in the second round.

She came through along with MacLaren in a three-way play-off for the final two spots after Booth and Hedwall, a three-time Solheim Cup player, had finished joint-first with one-under-par 143 totals.

Booth, who lost out in a Twitter poll for a spot in last week’s event on the LPGA Tour, had her fate in her own hands on this occasion and finished in style with a birdie.

“It was a roller-coaster out there,” said the two-time LET winner. “The wind was switching and it was raining sideways. It was like a battlefield, but I stayed strong, stayed positive and stayed patient.”

The 24-year-old will be making her second US Open appearance after being exempt for the 2013 event, as will MacDonald, who came through the same test in 2014.

“It was a bit daunting,” said the 26-year-old of that experience at Pinehurst, “so I know that this year I will enjoy the experience a lot more and feel more comfortable. I just can’t wait. I’m buzzing!”

Worth $5 million, the US Women’s Open takes place on 13-17 July.