How Allison Emrey, lone North Carolina native in US Women's Open golf 2022, did in first round
SOUTHERN PINES – Allison Emrey felt right at home Thursday morning at Pine Needles.
The lone North Carolinian competing in the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, Emrey stood on the first tee at around 7:15 a.m. as one of the first players to get the 77th edition of the event under way.
“It was pretty special,” said Emrey, who shot an even-par 71 in her debut round at the U.S. Women's Open.
“I was wondering if they meant to do that since I’m the only player from North Carolina. It’s just so special to be back in Pinehurst and to play Pine Needles, which I played a million times growing up.”
The 28-year-old Charlotte native had an eventful start through 10 holes with a pair of bogeys and three birdies. She got her final bogey of the day on the par-4 17th before wrapping up her round with a par.
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“I’m happy with the start,” Emrey said. “I would’ve liked to have made a few more putts, but I felt like I went into the day with a great game plan and executed very well. So I’m excited for (Friday).”
An All-American during her time at Wake Forest, Emrey is in her second full season on the LPGA Tour. She qualified as the first alternate at Mid-Pines in early May.
No stranger to the Sandhills, Emrey won the 2009 North & South Girls Junior at Pinehurst Resort.
“I think I just love being home and love being used to the conditions I grew up on, and just the history in Pinehurst,” she said.
Emrey said she last played Pine Needles at an American Junior Golf Association event.
That day was a bit different from Thursday’s sweltering heat under blue skies in Southern Pines.
“I have never played in more rain in my life,” she added with a laugh. “. … The entire day it rained, but we had a blast.”
As she walked the course, Emrey said she was “just trying to take it all in and enjoy” the experience of her first U.S. Open.
“I just tried to keep my head down, which sounds funny, but just to not think about all the fans,” she continued.
The highlight of her round had nothing to do with how she played. Emrey couldn’t help but notice the support of family and friends, many of whom had made the two-hour trip from Charlotte.
As she walked up 18, a gallery of roughly 50 people was in tow beyond the ropes.
Surprised to find out she was the only player from North Carolina in the field, Emrey said she doesn’t mind carrying the flag for her home state.
“I thought there would be more, so I’m a little disappointed that I’m the only one,” she said. “But I’m happy to have the honor to be here.”
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Allison Emrey only North Carolina native at US Women’s Open golf 2022
