Prominent Golfers Fail to Advance at U.S. Women's Open

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – The pursuit of a career grand slam for Lydia Ko will have to be postponed as she, along with several other notable players, did not make the cut at the 81st U.S. Women's Open held at Riviera Country Club. Out of the 68 competitors who advanced, the cut was set at 4 over par, with a significant gap of nine strokes separating the leaders from those eliminated.

Among those who departed early was Michelle Wie West, who finished at 7 over. After her second round, she shared a heartfelt moment with her daughter Makenna on the ninth green. “Obviously I would be lying to say I wasn't disappointed,” Wie West remarked. “I would have loved to have made the cut today, grinder all day. But I had a blast honestly.”

Another notable golfer, Yani Tseng, also ended her run at 7 over. The five-time major champion participated this week via a special exemption and played alongside Wie West during the opening rounds, finishing with scores of 73 and 76. Meanwhile, Lydia Ko concluded her tournament at 5 over, managing two late birdies but ultimately falling short after rounds of 74 and 73.

Megha Ganne, fresh off leading Stanford to an NCAA title, turned professional at this event but missed the cut with scores of 74-73, leaving her with a consolation of $10,000 in missed cut money. Similarly, South Korean golfer Ina Yoon dropped dramatically after a disappointing second-round score of 79, finishing at 5 over after an initial 68.

Hyo Joo Kim, a two-time LPGA winner this season, also faced an early exit with a score of 9 over, marking her third consecutive missed cut at the U.S. Women's Open. Yuka Saso, another well-known competitor and two-time champion, struggled as well, finishing at 9 over after rounds of 77 and 74.

Finally, Madelene Sagstrom, who is nearly seven months pregnant, captured attention on the course but missed the cut with scores of 77 and 76, placing her at 11 over. Despite her challenges, she plans to compete in upcoming events before taking maternity leave.