CHULA VISTA, Calif. – Rising senior Shannon Aubert tied the second-lowest qualifying score in tournament history on Tuesday to earn medalist honors in the 117th U.S. Women's Amateur Championship at San Diego Country Club.
After opening with a 3-under 69 on Monday, Aubert fired a 6-under 66 to finish at 9-under 135 to capture the No. 1 seed for match play, which starts Wednesday. Also advancing were rising sophomores Andrea Lee (73-69, 142) and Albane Valenzuela (70-73, 143), who tied for seventh and 11th, respectively.
Aubert, who was born in France and lives in Stuart, Florida, won the Florida Women's Amateur Championship in June. She carded 14 birdies, including eight on Tuesday. Her total was four strokes better than runner up Julianne Alvarez of New Zealand.
"That's very, very cool," said Aubert, when informed of her scoring accomplishment. "It's nice to be part of the history of the championship because it's such a prestigious tournament."
The tournament record is 133 set last year.
Aubert posted the low round of the afternoon group on Monday, and continued her stellar play Tuesday. Starting on the back nine, she birdied three of her first four holes and turned in 4-under 32.
"Honestly, just like yesterday, I was pretty nervous going out there," Aubert said. "I'm lucky enough to date someone who's also a golfer, so he calms me down."
Aubert's primary goal starting the week was to secure one of 64 match play berths. But once she got hot, her mindset changed.
"At the end of the day, everyone is back on an even playing field," she said. "But I figured if you are playing well in a regular tournament, you wouldn't just slow down and say, 'Let's play it safe,' so why treat it any different."
Aubert is excited to move on, but will savor Tuesday's accomplishment.
"I have today to cherish it and then tomorrow realize it's a brand new championship, whether you finish first, 34th or 64, you're in it and it's back to square one," said Aubert. "It's just respecting the players and the golf."
Incoming freshman Mika Liu (78-75, 153) and rising junior Sierra Kersten (76-81, 157), failed to advance.